One of my greatest ambitions – to cook on television – came true when I was chosen to participate in Series 1 of Britain’s Best Home Cook for BBC television. Continue reading “As a contestant on Britain’s Best Home Cook – BBC1”
Recipe posts
Coloured mirror glazes
(Post updated: May 2019). As its name suggests, a mirror glaze is a very shiny covering for a cake or dessert that is so reflective you should be able to see your face quite clearly in it. There are several recipes for mirror glazes but I make what I think is one of the simplest – and it always gives me great results. Continue reading “Coloured mirror glazes”
Rough-puff pastry & other laminated pastries
I love the process of achieving those buttery, light layers that melt in the mouth, especially with rough-puff pastry, a much simpler cousin to puff pastry. In this post I give the recipe for a fool-proof rough-puff pastry, along with recipe ideas for using the pastry. Continue reading “Rough-puff pastry & other laminated pastries”
Shortcrust pastry & fool-proof blind-baking
It might be easy to feel daunted when it comes to making pastry, but I hope this post will go some way towards facing any doubts you might have when it comes to shortcrust pastry. I have also included what I think is the most fool-proof way to blind-bake the pastry, giving perfectly cooked pastry and a neat finish. Continue reading “Shortcrust pastry & fool-proof blind-baking”
Tips for making & decorating cakes
Cake should be eaten without any hint of guilt whatsover. Even when wanting another slice…..
This post gives key tips for making several types of cake successfully, along with recipes for cakes and icings, troubleshooting and general ideas for decorating. I have also given the quantities needed to make a Victoria Sandwich cake for different sized tins. Continue reading “Tips for making & decorating cakes”
Making sourdough bread
A sourdough loaf is a thing of great beauty: chewy, crusty and with layers of flavour. Heavenly! Continue reading “Making sourdough bread”
The joys of Afternoon Tea
A marvellous institution in itself, you do not need a reason to justify taking Afternoon Tea: wonderfully indulgent, it is one of the most pleasurable ways to spend what should be several unrushed hours, allowing gasps of excitement to escape out as both sweet and savoury goodies are presented. Continue reading “The joys of Afternoon Tea”
Croissants
For me, a croissant is one of the greatest baked goods to eat: a crisp outer shell that rains flakes as you bite into it, revealing an open honeycombed interior. And then there’s it’s rich buttery flavour and an almost nutty aroma. Certainly not to eat if you’re counting the calories, but a real joy! Continue reading “Croissants”
Perfecting macarons – the queen of confections
If you have ever wanted a macaron recipe for what I consider to be “as fool-proof as is possible”, I hope you find that this is the place to be! Continue reading “Perfecting macarons – the queen of confections”
Baked caramel lemon custard
This dessert is a cross between a crème caramel and a baked cheesecake, with a slightly denser texture than a crème caramel while retaining the divine, slightly bitter liquid caramel element. Continue reading “Baked caramel lemon custard”
Curried crab tarts
These delicious tarts are packed with crab flavour and are quite certain to be devoured without any trace! Continue reading “Curried crab tarts”
Apple & cinnamon upside-down cake
This is a real return to comfort food classics and is always a treat to tuck into. Continue reading “Apple & cinnamon upside-down cake”
Seeded onion bread
Simple, delicious bread that is just begging to be toasted and spread liberally – very liberally! – with butter. Continue reading “Seeded onion bread”
Yorkshire curd tarts with a twist
My take on this great British classic is certainly not fully authentic – but in my opinion no recipe should be so precious that it can’t cope with being tinkered with! Continue reading “Yorkshire curd tarts with a twist”
Chilled pea, mint & bacon soup
This is a very refreshing soup using up ingredients in the kitchen. Perfect for hot weather dining! Continue reading “Chilled pea, mint & bacon soup”
Courgette, sweetcorn & mint fritters
These are very simple bites that I am sure will have you diving in for more!
Continue reading “Courgette, sweetcorn & mint fritters”
Strawberry, cherry & lime macarons
These seriously fruity macarons are inspired by the Exuberantly Fruity chocolates from Hotel Chocolat: my favourite of their chocolates. They give a real flavour explosion as soon as you bite into them! Continue reading “Strawberry, cherry & lime macarons”
Bacon & caramelised onion tarts
There’s very much a Quiche Lorraine vibe going on with these tarts. And this Lorraine has no soggy bottom!
Thai corn fritters
A really quick and delicious take on Thai fish cakes. Continue reading “Thai corn fritters”
Kung po-style prawns
Another sticky, spicy takeaway-style dish: this time, with prawns, but it works brilliantly with chicken pork or vegetables such as cauliflower or broccoli. Continue reading “Kung po-style prawns”
Sticky tamarind and sesame chicken
This is one of my favourite stand-by dishes and always fits the bill when I want something sticky with bags of flavour, take-out style. Continue reading “Sticky tamarind and sesame chicken”
Roasted broccoli with crispy garlic
This is a very simple, delicious vegetable dish and is a regular visitor to my table when I make a roast dinner or a casserole. Continue reading “Roasted broccoli with crispy garlic”
Tiramisu cake
A delicious cake that sashays into gateau territory. Continue reading “Tiramisu cake”
Mango salsa
Fruity, sharp with a light chilli kick, this mango salsa is excellent served with fish, with curries, as a dip or simple rolled up in flatbreads and devoured!
Chicken and sweetcorn soup
A delicious, nutritious and comforting soup that is easy to prepare and tastes as good as many restaurant versions. Continue reading “Chicken and sweetcorn soup”
Soft garlic and herb flatbreads
Pillowy soft flatbreads dripping with herby garlic butter: ideal comfort food! Continue reading “Soft garlic and herb flatbreads”
Parmesan & roasted onion sourdough focaccia
A gutsy focaccia that really hits the spot, using chunks of Parmesan and the delicous sweetness that comes from roasted onions. Continue reading “Parmesan & roasted onion sourdough focaccia”
Raspberry gin macarons
This is great way to use good quality fruit gins in cooking – as if excused are needed! You could even serve these with a glass of gin and tonic for the ultimate indulgence…. Continue reading “Raspberry gin macarons”
Cranachan roulade
A light-as-air Swiss Roll sponge, filled with Cranachan and smothered with a little of the whisky and honey cream, this roulade is a delicious centrepiece for any occasion. Continue reading “Cranachan roulade”
Smoked mushroom & Dolcelatte tarts
With the smoked mushrooms, blue cheese and hint of tarragon sitting on crisp, buttery puff pastry, these easy tarts are full-on comfort food. Continue reading “Smoked mushroom & Dolcelatte tarts”
Black Forest choux buns & éclairs
Fruity, tangy and suitable chocolatey, with a cheeky kirschy-kick! Continue reading “Black Forest choux buns & éclairs”
“Break the rules” chocolate biscuits
Shamelessly rustic chocolate biscuits made in moments! What more can I say? Continue reading ““Break the rules” chocolate biscuits”
Katsu curry
I love a katsu curry, whether using chicken, pork, prawns or vegetables: the contast of that gorgeous silky sauce smothering the crispy meat, fish or veg is wonderful. Continue reading “Katsu curry”
Bread & butter pickles: spicy, sweet cucumbers
If you have a glut of cucumbers to use up, these tangy and refreshing pickles are sure to hit the spot. Perfect cold from the fridge and great to tuck into during the depths of winter with bread and cheese.
Preserves are terrific partners for good bakes, and these sweet, spiced and crunchy cucumbers are very easy and quick to make. Essentially these sliced cucumbers are bathing happily in a sweetened and spiced vinegar.
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Poppadoms from scratch
I adore poppadoms either with a curry or just to snack on shamelessly, especially if I have with a fiery chutney or two to scoop onto them! Continue reading “Poppadoms from scratch”
Mini blackberry sponge cakes
These seasonal cakes are so delicious and really make use of blackberries, both in the buttercream, the fondant icing and to decorate. Continue reading “Mini blackberry sponge cakes”
Coffee & walnut Swiss Roll
Ah, the many joys of a Swiss Roll: one of those classic cakes that is just perfect sliced (thickly!) and served with a cup of tea or a mug of coffee. Continue reading “Coffee & walnut Swiss Roll”
Crispy ginger & soy chicken bao with spiced mayo
Quite simply, this delicious food is perfect eaten in the garden for a street-food vibe or piled onto plates inside for people to assemble themselves! Continue reading “Crispy ginger & soy chicken bao with spiced mayo”
Chorizo, Manchego & caramelised onion tartlets
Packed with flavour, I return to these gutsy mini tarts frequently for simple snacks, as part of an Afternoon Tea spread or even for a picnic in the garden! Continue reading “Chorizo, Manchego & caramelised onion tartlets”
Crispy air-fried harissa chicken
These very simple chicken wings are packed with flavour, take moments to prepare and will have you coming back for more. Continue reading “Crispy air-fried harissa chicken”
Teriyaki cauliflower “popcorn”
The combination of crispy, sticky, spicy and utterly delicious ticks every box for me. Ingredients such as soy sauce, garlic, ginger, chilli, sesame seeds and panko breadcrumbs combine with the cauliflower to give an exceptional dish. Continue reading “Teriyaki cauliflower “popcorn””
“Death by Chocolate” biscuits
No excuses, no apologies – just seriously chocolately shortbreads! Continue reading ““Death by Chocolate” biscuits”
Homemade Snickers chocolates!
A Snickers bar is one of my favourite chocolate bars and this is my homemade “cheat’s” take on a Snickers bar.
Mustard and dill potato blinis
These light blinis (or potato cakes in this case), are so easy, so tasty and so much fun to make! Continue reading “Mustard and dill potato blinis”
Mushroom and roasted garlic tart
As the summer tentatively approaches, I get so excited about food that can be eaten outdoors: whether at a picnic, a BBQ or even just on the patio if there is the merest teasing of sun, I love to eat al fresco. This tart is one of those I often have outside but, of course, it makes a wonderful starter indoors for a less informal meal!
Passionfruit and lime drizzle bars
This is an adaptation of my earlier passionfruit and lime drizzle loaf this lily has been gilded somewhat with the addition of a luscious Mascarpone topping and a splash of rum in the drizzle.
The best sticky BBQ wings with blue cheese dip
Sticky chicken wings and a punchy blue cheese dip: two very compatible bed-fellows that always guarantee foodie happiness. Not to mention very messy fingers! Continue reading “The best sticky BBQ wings with blue cheese dip”
Kaspressknödel – cheese dumplings
Deliciously simple pan-fried cheese patties, using left-over bread and a few staple ingredients. Continue reading “Kaspressknödel – cheese dumplings”
Strawberry and orange mini Bakewell tarts
One egg (yes, just one egg) goes a long way: it actually makes 10 of these Bakewell Tarts to be precise! Continue reading “Strawberry and orange mini Bakewell tarts”
Rum baba stollen bites
A simple, kind of “throw it all together” bake, this is basically stollen crossed with rum babas and is a popular sweet treat in this house. It is not just for making and eating at Christmas either; I often make it for Easter and at various other times of the year. Continue reading “Rum baba stollen bites”
My favourite seeded walnut rye bread
Rye bread is something of an acquired taste; some people avoid it, but others, like me, love its dense, slightly chewy qualities with its pronounced flavour. Continue reading “My favourite seeded walnut rye bread”
Fabulous fishcakes: my ultimate store-cupboard standby!
This is what I think is a real store-cupboard winner: they are delicious, take minutes to prepare and taste like you have spent ages making them!
Continue reading “Fabulous fishcakes: my ultimate store-cupboard standby!”
Ginger and lemongrass macarons
The gorgeous flavours of ginger and lemongrass in a macaron: pure bliss in every mouthful! Continue reading “Ginger and lemongrass macarons”
Honey, mustard and dill sauce
Sweet, floral honey with a heady dill kick and the gentle heat of mustard, this sauce is fabulous with smoked fish or as a light dressing for many salads. Continue reading “Honey, mustard and dill sauce”
Thai-style stuffed chicken drumsticks
Generously stuffed Thai-style chicken, coated in a sticky soy and honey glaze, these are great eaten for any occasion: my favourite is devouring them in front of the TV! Continue reading “Thai-style stuffed chicken drumsticks”
Butternut squash and crab soup
Put simply, this is a delicious, low-fat warming soup that will have you diving back into the pan for more. Continue reading “Butternut squash and crab soup”
Boule (tangzhong method)
A deliciously simple bread using a technique popular in Japanese baking that requires cooking some of the flour and liquid from the recipe, resulting in a very soft-textured interior with great depth of flavour
Simple vegetable tarts
Very delicious tarts using practically whatever vegetables you have…..an ideal lunch or light main course. Continue reading “Simple vegetable tarts”
Spiced carrot chutney
I adore dips, chutneys, relishes and similar accompaniments with all cuisines, so when I first tried the carrot chutney at the wonderful Benares restaurant years ago, I knew I had to try to make it at home. Continue reading “Spiced carrot chutney”
Phil's Home Kitchen 