Our Christmas and a very special hamper

We were delighted to review a lovely Christmas hamper from Knorr. This led us to investigate their fantastic website at http://knorr.co.uk where you can find some wonderful recipes just in time for a foodie New Year. As soon as we saw the contents, we knew we were in for a festive feast. SELDOM SEEN FARM … Continue reading →

Lovely risotto recipe to use turkey leftovers

Show Your Leftovers Some Love! This delicious recipe is perfect for using up turkey leftovers and a light relief after all the rich meals eaten over Christmas. Macadamia and Turkey Risotto Serves 4 Ingredients 1 onion, peeled and sliced 1 clove garlic, peeled and finely chopped 2 tablespoons macadamia oil 1 red pepper, deseeded and … Continue reading →

What are my reasons to be cheerful this week?

I am not feeling very cheerful at all if the truth be known. Trying to arrange for my husband to see his daughters from his first marriage and their children has resulted in all of them seeing me as a pain. You would think I was trying to do something evil rather than trying to … Continue reading →

Great gravy recipe for Christmas

Caramelised red onion and sherry Christmas gravy You will need: 100ml sherry 500ml good quality liquid chicken stock 3 tbsp The English Provender Co. Caramelised Red Onion Chutney Method: Place the sherry in a pan and simmer for 3 minutes. Add the stock and reduce on a high heat until you are left with about … Continue reading →

Top tips from chef on Christmas lunch success

Head Chef Rob Cottam in partnership with cooking ingredients specialist Very Lazy has kindly shared his tips for successful cooking of the most stressful meal of the year, the Christmas lunch. Perfect turkey Cook your turkey legs separately from the crown. This will cut down the cooking time, but it’ll also make sure your turkey … Continue reading →

Smoked salmon tart with red onion and dill recipe

Smoked Salmon Tart served with Red Onion, Dill and Horseradish Cream Serves 6-8 Ingredients For the shortcrust pastry: • 225g (8oz) plain flour, sifted • 110g (4oz) chilled Kerrygold butter, now softer, cubed, plus extra for greasing • 1 egg, beaten • A pinch of salt For the filling: • 250g (9oz) smoked salmon, snipped … Continue reading →

Pistachio, sage and cream cheese roast cockerel recipe

Pistachio, Sage & Cream Cheese Roast Cockerel Preparation time: 25 minutes plus resting Cooking time: 2hours 30 mins or as calculated Serves 10 Preheat the oven to 180 C/Gas Mark 4. Mix together the cheese, garlic, pistachios, lemon rind and juice, sage and seasoning until well combined. Place the cockerel on a board and carefully … Continue reading →

Nut roast recipe – have a vegetarian Christmas

Macadamia Nut Roast Serves 6 This is a hearty vegetarian option to a Sunday roast or Christmas dinner but its versatility means it can be served hot, warm or cold. It can be kept in a fridge for a few days so it can be sliced with a salad, taken on a picnic or put … Continue reading →

How to cook your Christmas turkey

Ingredients 5 /4.5 kg whole turkey 500 gm streaky bacon 150 gm butter 500 sausage meat 200 gm cooked chestnuts 1 bunch sage 1 onion 2 stalks of celery Salt and pepper for seasoning Method 1. Make sure the bird is room temperature. 2. Smear the breast with butter and wrap in streaky bacon. Set … Continue reading →

How to make smoked salmon blinis with creme fraiche and caviar

Norwegian smoked salmon blinis with crème fraiche and caviar Serves 4 – 6 Make sure your celebrations start with a bang and treat your guests to a little taste of luxury with Norwegian smoked salmon, crème fraiche and caviar Ingredients 12 blinis 4 slices of Norwegian smoked salmon, each cut into 3 strips 150 ml … Continue reading →