I had an email from Sainsbury’s – would I like to try some black garlic? Never heard of it, but too curious to resist an offer like that – it’s aged white garlic and according to the pack has a ‘molasses-balsamic flavour’. That sweetness and mellowness would go well with my go-to soup recipe – […]

I can’t stop eating burgers at the moment. Brilliant burger joints are popping up all over Cardiff and with the sun out I want to BBQ every night. For me, there are just two secrets to a great burger at home – keep it simple and don’t overcook it. Very simple, in fact – the […]

I’ve been wanted to try this out for ages – the theory is that the buttermilk tenderises the chicken and then acts as the base for the crispy coating It’s a really easy recipe – to be honest, it was only finding the buttermilk that proved to be difficult. I finally found some in one of the […]

Presented with three key ingredients – a whole chicken, a bag of carrots and a couple of pounds of Maris Pipers – it would be easy to go for the obvious. And I do love a mid-week roast. But I’ve been challenged* to come up with something a little different so I’m going for lighter […]

It’s past the season for casseroles really, but with its chorizo, lemon and parsley this stew is light enough for a long sunny evening. And there are few dishes which aren’t improved by the addition of some fried chorizo. There are only  a few main ingredients and minimal preparation required. Start with the cubed beef – put […]

After years of messing about with charcoal I finally gave in and bought a gas BBQ last year. It’s brilliant – cooking outside so much more now it’s easy. I’ve had my eye on a smoker box for a while though to add in a bit more of the authentic BBQ flavour and also to […]

The fine chaps from Blaencamel farm were selling bunches of wild garlic at the market on the weekend. The smell of it always reminds me of walking in summer and I knew it would make a quick and easy pesto. In a food processor or mini chopper, blend together first a thumb-sized piece of Parmesan […]

Homemade mayo isn’t as complicated as I’d always though. You see recipes which talk about how carefully the oil needs to be added or advice on how to rescue it when it splits – puts you off trying. But I’m glad I did try about a year ago as it’s such a good way to […]

I was given a few round courgettes which looked like little yellow cartoon bombs – thanks to expert allotmenteer Nic for sharing with me. Check out her blog too. I dug out an old Olive recipe and made this to go with the Parmesan chicken. Finely slice the courgettes and a couple of tomatoes. Grate […]

You can’t beat a one-pot stew for a swift and simple midweek tea. This one is based on a BBC Good Food recipe which I played about with cos I didn’t have half the ingredients (who keeps chipotle paste in the store cupboard?!) It was warming, spicy, smokey and a bit sweet which is why […]