Boozy Orange Liqueur Profiteroles with Vanilla and Candied Orange Peel
Everyone likes a profiterole. And that is because there is nothing not to like about them. Served in bowls with more cream or ice cream, they make a great dinner party dessert or piled high in towers for bigger occasions - they are the ultimate crowd pleaser. I made some at my mum’s request this Christmas but filled them with a delicious boozy orange vanilla cream and topped with candied orange peel for some texture. With a few tricks you will nail the perfect choux pastry every time.
Ultimate Spaghetti Bolognese
This is my version of the classic recipe, with a few storecupboard twists in there to elevate your normal bolognese to the next level. Little tricks like adding the parmesan rind for salty depth, some whole milk for richness, soy for umami, dark chocolate for a touch of bitter sweetness and red wine vinegar to balance out the acidity all works to make it just a little bit different. It also tastes better after a night or two in the fridge so if you can wait that long do - its worth it.
Prawn Penang Curry
This is a great recipe which has saved me so many times when I’m short on time and energy. The paste makes enough for several servings of curry and freezes really well. I love prawns in a curry and they work particularly well with this aromatic, nutty, slightly spicy sauce, however this recipe is delicious with chicken too.
Moroccan Potato, Olive and Chickpea Tagine with Apricots and Preserved Lemon
I created this vegan Moroccan inspired tagine recipe for Scotty Brand to celebrate Vegan Month. It’s packed with plenty of fruit and vegetables and is a healthy, filling, low-cost meal which will satisfy the whole family. You won’t even notice it’s plant based.
Panfried Halibut with Romesco Sauce, Charred Broccoli with Olives and Almonds and Crispy Chorizo Capers
This is an easy meal which is packed with flavour and texture but still feels really special. The dish would work well with any meaty fish such as salmon or cod, but it would also be lovely with a chicken breast or cauliflower steak. The romesco sauce is so versatile (I use it for so many dishes) and the crispy chorizo capers make the dish.
Roast Chicken Orzo with Fennel, Lemon and Parmesan
This is a true one pot dish which makes one chicken go a long way. Roasting the chicken on top of the orzo and vegetables allows all the chicken juices to be absorbed by the pasta grains, making them extra delicious. It’s a great way to enjoy a roast but without the many pots and pans and often hefty price tag. Healthy and so comforting at this time of year, this will become a regular recipe in your household I’m sure.
Haggis Bon Bons with Caramelised Turnip Puree, Apple Sauce, Pickled Apples and Turnip Carrot Crisps
With it being Burns Night tomorrow, I thought I’d share a different way to enjoy our national dish. It is a slightly more fancy take on the classic haggis, neeps and tatties but it is a very easy to prepare, delicious and filling meal the whole family will love. The haggis bon bons are so moreish - people will be fighting over each other I promise. With an earthy caramelised turnip puree, crispy garlic seasoned turnip carrot crisps, sweet apple sauce and pickled cubes of apple for sharpness and flavour, I am definitely going to be making these again. The bon bons would also be lovely with a roast chicken dinner.
Apricot, White Chocolate and Pistachio Bread and Butter Brioche Pudding with Cardamom Custard
We all need some comfort at this time of year and I don’t think it gets more comforting than a bowl of bread and butter pudding. I love the flavour combinations here, the fruity apricots and apricot jam, fragrant nutty pistachios, aromatic cardamom and sweet white chocolate are all matches made in heaven. For me, bread and butter puddings need a crispy top, gooey middle and lashings of custard. Easy to make, full of flavour and texture, and utterly delicious.
Roasted Spiced Cauliflower and Red Onion Salad with Chickpeas, Lemon Tahini Dressing and Pomegranates
I love a roasted salad and this one has some of my favourite flavour combinations. Salads don’t have to be boring, and this one certainly isn’t. For £1.67 a portion it’s also reasonably priced considering the amount of fresh ingredients. It’s a great Meat Free Monday meal if you’ve had an over indulgent weekend but doesn’t compromise on flavour and texture. It also just happens to be completely vegan.
Mussels with Chorizo, Red Pepper, Samphire and Garlicky Sourdough
Mussels are one of my all time favourite meals and while I love the classic bacon, leek and cider flavour combo, I decided to mix it up and experiment with a chorizo flavoured mussel recipe. With some added samphire for colour, crunch and saltiness, chopped jarred red peppers for sweetness, white wine and plenty of lemon juice for acidity, and toasted almonds for some nuttiness, this is up there with one of my favourite weekend meals. Minimal chopping, maximum flavour, and all in one pan - the dream.
Tandoori Venison loin with Bejewelled Pilau Rice, Spiced Turmeric Squash Puree, Coriander Mint Chutney and Chaat Masala Yoghurt
This special dish has all of the vibrant, fresh flavours of Indian cuisine. It is definitely a treat, but once you have made it once, you will want to make it again and again for any special occasion. Each of the elements can be made ahead and it is a great way to satisfy your cravings for a roast and curry in one without ruining any New Year diet plans.
Sichuan Chicken Stir Fry with Cashews and Peppers
This is a quick and easy recipe which is perfect for when you’re short on time. It’s also a great fakeaway meal for when those takeaway cravings come calling. Cheaper, healthier and I think tastier than your average takeaway stir fry, I hope this becomes a staple recipe for you as it has for me.
Spiced Indian Lamb Burgers with Mint Raita, Chaat Masala Kachumber and Mango Chutney
I’ve been making these spiced lamb burgers for years. It’s the best way to satisfy your cravings for a curry and a burger in one recipe. They are a favourite with my family and I’m sure will become a favourite for you too.
Gooey Lemon & Orange Polenta Cake with Rosemary Syrup
I love citrusy desserts to finish a meal and this lemon polenta cake is the perfect end to a dinner party. It’s also delicious with an afternoon cup of tea. Served with creme fraiche and raspberries, this is a light and fresh pudding perfect for any time of year.
Tuna Niçoise Salad
This is the perfect dish to keep those January healthy eating intentions going. It will also bring some much-needed summery vibes to your dinner table during these dark nights.
Sweet Potato, Pecan and Kale Salad with Cranberries, Feta and an Orange Ginger Dressing
This is such a tasty winter salad which is so quick and easy to make. Full of goodness and lots of flavour, it’s a great working from home lunch or light dinner.
Brown Butter, Chocolate and Thyme Cookie with Salted Honey and Peanut Ice Cream
This is a no holds barred dessert. It’s sweet, salty, gooey, crispy, fudgy, nutty and pretty dirty all at the same time. The ice cream is super creamy and rich and with the fudginess of the salted nutty cookie and the slight aromatic flavour from the thyme, you won’t be able to stop digging your spoon in.
Panfried Sea Bass with Thai Green Curry Sauce, Peanut Radish Citrus Slaw and Jasmine Rice
There is nothing like a fresh and aromatic homemade Thai green curry. Served with some crispy panfried seabass and a zingy, crunchy, peanutty slaw, this feels slightly more special than your standard midweek thai green curry out of a jar. Although I love a thai green curry with prawns, chicken or veg, the lovely fresh, clean taste of the sea bass goes so well with the rich, coconutty sauce.
Harissa Chicken, Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Traybake, Parsley Yoghurt and a Lemon, Olive and Herb Dressing
This recipe uses the tried and tested combination of harissa, sweet potato and red pepper for a deliciously simple midweek meal. The tender, caramelised chicken thighs, cooling yoghurt and sharp herby dressing add more flavours and textures and elevate this from your typical traybake recipe. A perfect, healthy midweek meal.
Chorizo, Butternut Squash and Pea Risotto with Crispy Sage, Paprika Hazelnuts and Crushed Amaretti
Everyone loves risotto and butternut squash and chorizo is a classic combination. However, with the little twists I have made to my recipe, this is a risotto with a difference. The crispy sage, paprika hazelnuts and amaretti all add texture and more layers of flavour. The crushed amaretti biscuit on top is a classic Italian addition which I personally love. The little hint of sweetness works so well with the squash, while the saltiness from the parmesan and spice from the nuts and chorizo balances everything out.