This is a total crowd pleaser. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love this (apart from those people who totally hate fish).
When people hear pate, they tend to think it’s going to be complicated. This recipe has only 5 ingredients, and takes 5 minutes to make. It makes a brilliant starter with crusty bread, or I enjoy it on a toasted bagel for lunch. It also makes a good topping for baked potatoes.
Just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes make this super tasty pate
The pate has lots of flavour, but if you want to mix it up a bit you can swap out the parsley and lemon juice for coriander and lime, with some finely chopped chillies.
Ingredients
200 Grams Smoked mackerel
100 Grams Cream cheese
Juice of half a lemon
Small handful of chopped parsley
Ground black pepper
Method
Remove and discard the skin from the fish
Break up the mackerel in a bowl, and flake with a fork
Add the cream cheese, lemon juice, and parsley and mix until the pate is smooth. Taste and add black pepper to taste (you can also add more lemon and parsley if you prefer)
Chewy meringue, luscious cream, and juicy raspberries
Most of my baking is throw it in a bowl give a quick stir and throw it in the oven. Every now and again I like to go a little bit fancier, not as fancy as those creations you see in French patisseries that are total works of art, but a bit more involved than a tray bake.
As with some of my favourite recipes this came together as the result of an accident. I was in a supermarket and meant to lift ground almonds but lifted ground hazelnuts instead. If you can’t find ground hazelnuts, just give whole hazelnuts a whiz in the food processor, just don’t go too fine with them or else the hazelnuts will start to release their natural oils which is death for a meringue. I used raspberries in this, but oranges or strawberries also go really well.
I’ll be honest, I was trying to make pretty frou frou little meringue nests. It went horribly wrong (I have a checkered past with meringue and it beat me once again. I think I need one those beautiful very expensive mixers, just saying in case anyone would like to send one to the Sunnyside Kitchen and break my meringue curse). If you are better with meringues than I am please give the little nests a try I think they would look adorable.
My meringue nests didn’t really work out.
So I had a pile of ugly meringues, and rather than waste these I just adapted what I had and layered broken meringue, cream, chocolate and fruit to make a version of Eton mess, it tasted fabulous! This is also a fantastic gluten free dessert.
I like to think of cooking as a metaphor for life, sometimes you end up with something you didn’t want or didn’t ask for. Sometimes things don’t work out as you hoped or planned. But with a little imagination and the right attitude you can still create something great.
Served in little jars or glasses these make a delicious dessert.
Ingredients
Meringue
150 Grams Hazelnuts (ground)
7 Eggs whites
385 Grams Caster sugar (if you don’t have caster sugar, whiz ordinary granulated sugar in a food processor of a couple of seconds)
1/2 Tsp White wine vinegar
Filling
100 Grams Chocolate (use the the type you prefer and grate or scrap into curls
1 Punnet of raspberries
250 Ml Whipped Cream
Method
Pre-heat your oven to 180 degrees, line two baking sheets with baking parchment, drawing on circles (if making meringue nests)
Separate your eggs and whisk the egg whites until they resemble stiff peaks, whisk in the sugar a tablespoon at time and then add the vinegar.
Gradually fold in the ground hazelnuts with a metal spoon, and then pipe or spoon onto the prepared baking trays
Bake for 25-30 mins and remove and allow cool before carefully removing from the baking parchment
When the meringue are completely cold, start to layer them up with the whipped cream, prepared fruit and grated chocolate. I use little jam jars, but these also look really good served in tall glasses. If you have any whole hazelnuts left you could also toast these in a pan and allow them to cool before topping the desserts to give some crunch
Tell me whats not to like about bread still warm from the oven, and smeared with butter.
One of my favourite places to visit in Northern Ireland is Newcastle Co. Down. There are lots of things to love, breathtaking scenery, amusement arcades, seaweed baths, a lovely promenade, and the world class Tollymore forest Park. I visited recently and tried to find a little bakery that used to sell the most amazing date and walnut wheaten bread. Sadly the shop is gone but the visit inspired me to come up with a version of it which isn’t half bad.
The perfect mix of sweet and savoury.
This bread is great just sliced and slavered in butter/jam. It’s also savoury enough to taste great when topped with cheese, or along side soup. You can also devide the bread mix into eight to make little wheaten rolls.
Ingredients
275 Grams Plain flour
200 Grams Wholemeal flour
175 Grams Dates (chopped)
75 Grams Walnuts (chopped)
50 Grams Butter (melted)
1 Egg
1 Tsp Baking soda
1/4 Tsp Salt
250ml Buttermilk (I didn’t have buttermilk, so you can improvise as I did. I used normal milk and added 1 Tbsp of lemon juice and left it to sit for 10 minutes)
Simple round loaf with a cross cut across the centre
Method
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees
Add the flours, walnuts, dates, salt and baking soda to a bowl and combine
Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture, add the egg, and melted butter. Add the milk a little at a time until you have quiet a moist dough.I like to use my hands to mix the ingredients, but you can also use a wooden spoon.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface, and shape into a circle, around 14-16cm in diameter
Put the loaf onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut a cross across the loaf, about a third of the depth of the loaf
Bake for 45 minutes, check the loaf is ready by tapping the bottom to makes it sounds hollow
Fudgy brownie, topped with chewy marshmallow and then a layer of crunchy rice crispies coated in peanut butter and chocolate.
Anyone who follows this blog has probably worked out that I try to make reasonably healthy recipes. However, I think there is always room for some filth in your life. A good basic brownie is hard to beat, and there are endless variations you can make. I like food with different textures, so when I saw a version of this from Yammies Noshery, I had to try to make them. Apart from the fact these taste like a little square of heaven, they’re also gluten free. So you can treat your intolerant loved ones to something other than a coconut macaroon. These are great for Halloween parties or judge because you feel like a bit of filth.
Ingredients
For the brownies
260 Grams White sugar
180 Mil Vegetable oil
4 Eggs
1 Tsp Vanilla bean paste
200 Grams Cocoa powder
1/4 Tsp Salt
60 Grams Chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
For the topping
180 Gram Bag of mini marshmallows
250 Grams Chocolate
160 Grams Peanut butter
75 Grams Butter
400 Grams Rice crispies
These little nuggets of deliciousness melt and toast up to add another layer of flavour
Method
Line a 9 x 13 inch baking tin, and preheat your oven to 180 degrees
For the brownies, add the oil and sugar together and mix until we’ll combined. Whisk in the eggs, and vanilla, then add the cocoa powder and salt and mix until combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips, and pour into your lined baking tin. Bake of 17 minutes (if you prefer a more cakey brownie leave them in the oven for another couple of minutes)
Take the brownies out of the oven and sprinkle the top with mini marshmallows, and return to the oven for another 8 minutes
The marshmallows should have melted and be looking slightly toasted around the edged
Allow to cool before adding the next topping (I didn’t wait and it was a nightmare to spread)
For the crunch topping, put the chocolate, butter, and peanut butter in a large microwave proof dish.
Microwave for 30 seconds at a time and stir, taking care that the mix doesn’t burn
When melted, add the rice crispies and mix until they are fully coated
Spread the mix over the cooled marshmallow topped brownies and allow to set before slicing into small squares (these are seriously rich, and can always have another one if you can manage it)
Allow the marshmallows to cool be trying to spread the crunch topping
I love a quick dinner after a long day when standing cooking holds little appeal. If you can be organised enough to cook extra potatoes for dinner the day or two before this makes this even quicker.
My sort of comfort food
Nothing says comfort food to me like spuds. Crispy fried potatoes, meaty pork sausages and hot sweet apples makes a really dreamy combination. On a chilly Autumn evening this makes a perfect dinner, it’s also really good with fried egg on top.
Serves 4
Ingredients
500 Grams Cooked potatoes cut into chunks (I like to leave the skins on)
8 Pork sausages (cut into chunks)
2 Red onions (thinly sliced)
2 Dessert apples (cut into chunks)
2 Tbsps Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Method
Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or heavy frying pan
Add the cut up sausages and onions, and stir occasionally until browned
Remove from the pan and set to one side. Add the other tablespoon of oil to the pan and add the potatoes, cooking until brown
Add the sausages, onions, and apple to the pan, cook for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and if you’re feeling really fancy you could sprinkle over some chopped herbs like parsley, or sage
Autumn is my favourite time of year, not just because of the colours and dark nights. What I really love are the fantastic fruit and vegetables that come into their own.
Sweet and juicy Victoria plums
I love warming, stick to your ribs comfort food at this time of year. I’ve had some really bland apple crumbles, so for a while I experimented with different versions and this is my favourite. I’ve used cinnamon, but cardamom also works really well.
Crunchy crumble and jammy fruity base.
I also added chopped dates, which adds a lovely toffee back note. The crumble has oats and nuts to add flavour and texture. It comes out of the oven with a crunchy topping and gooey jammy fruit base. I like mine with custard, but it also works well with ice cream.
Ingredients
600 Grams Plums (stones removed)
75 Grams Dates (finely chopped)
1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
100 Grams Brown Sugar
200 Grams Plain flour
100 Grams Porridge oats
50 Grams Almonds (chopped)
100 Grams Butter (cut into cubes)
Method
Cut the plums in half and remove the stones
Put the plums in an oven proof dish, and mix with the cinnamon and chopped dates
For the crumble, you can add the flour, and butter to a food processor and mix. I couldn’t be bothered with the faff of getting the food processor out and then cleaning it. Instead I added the ingredients to a bowl and rubbed the flour and butter together
When the flour, and butter are combined, add the sugar, oats and nuts and mix well
Sprinkle the crumble over the fruit. Put the dish in an oven preheated to 180 degrees. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until brown and delicious
I did the thing I normally do when I go to a farmer’s market. I bought way too much random stuff because I thought it looked good. I got it home and then had to think what I was going to do with it.
Note to self, stop buying too much stuff at the market.
This is a scrummy mix of colours and textures. Delicious Autumn vegetables in a creamy sauce, with a little bit of heat from smoked paprika, topped with crunchy, cheesy garlic bread.
Who doesn’t like garlic bread (weirdos, that’s who). You can use any combination of vegetables you like, pumpkin, butternut squash, or green beans also work well.
Crunchy Cheesy Perfection
I tried this recipe on one of my oldest friends. I was nervous because she owns a steak restaurant and is a confirmed carnivore and got two enthusiastic thumbs up (still sorry I forgot to send you home with a doggy bag Mags, but here is the recipe as promised). Go get your comfort food on.
Ingredients
1 Tbsp Olive oil
250 Grams Brussels sprouts
150 Grams Cavelo Nero (or Kale)
1 Pepper
1 Onion
175 Grams Mushrooms
2 Courgettes
400 Grams Cream cheese
250ml Vegetable stock
1/2 Tsp Smoked paprika
Handful of parsley
25 Grams Butter
2 Cloves of garlic
50 Grams Cheddar Cheese
1 Baguette
Method
Cut the bottoms of the Brussels sprouts and halve. Remove the stalks from the cavelo nero and slice. Cook the sprouts and cavelo nero in the vegetable stock for 5 minutes, until just tender
Slice the courgettes, onions, mushrooms and pepper, and fry in the olive oil in a large frying pan for about 5 minutes until soft
Add the sprouts, cavelo nero and vegetable stock to the frying pan. Sprinkle the smoked paprika over the vegetables, and add finely chopped parsley and cream cheese
Mix until thoroughly combined
Crush or mince the garlic and combine with butter
Slice the baguette into 2cm slices, and spread with the garlic butter
Put the vegetable mix into an oven proof dish and top with the slices of buttered baguette
Top with grated cheese and bake in an oven preheated to 180 degrees, for 30 minutes until golden brown
I was having one of those nights when I came home and there was nothing in the fridge that immediately lept out at me for dinner.
I cobbled this together from what I had at hand, and it was amazing. Gorgeous with pasta, its also fabulous drizzled over roast potatoes, or use it as a spread to tasty up sandwiches. This pesto is really versatile, I stirred some through plain boiled rice and the freshness of the parsley and slight hum of garlic totally transformed it. This takes 5 minutes to make and will live in a jar in your fridge for 3-4 days (if it lasts that long)
Bright green and full of flavour.
Ingredients
100 Grams Almonds
25 Grams Parsley (stalks and all)
100 ml Olive oil
25 Grams Parmesan (you can use vegan parmesan if you have dairy free diet)
1 Clove of Garlic (roughly chopped)
Salt and pepper
Method
In a dry frying pan toast the almonds until they are lightly browned and smell nutty
Add the almonds to a food processor and blitz until the almonds look like course sand
Add the rest of the ingredients and blitz until we’ll combined, check if it needs salt and pepper. Some people like it super smooth, but I prefer it a bit chunkier. Serve with pasta or roast vegetables, save any left over pesto in an airtight jar in the fridge
Shop bought granola can be expensive and sometimes a bit blah. This version is a feast of different tastes and textures. It’s also quick and easy to make, and tastes better than anything you can buy.
I like to team it up with some Greek yoghurt and fresh fruit for a quick and wholesome breakfast that will definitely keep you full until lunch. It also tastes really good sprinkled over ice cream for some crunch. This will keep well in airtight container for 10-14 days.
Rich aand crunchy, straight from the oven.
Ingredients
250 Grams Porridge oats
100 Grams Dessicated coconut
25 Grams Sunflower seeds
25 Grams Pumpkin seeds
50 Grams Pitted dates
50 Grams almonds
100 Grams Peanut butter
3 Tbsp Maple syrup
100 Ml Vegetable oil
Team your granola up with some Greek yoghurt and fresh fruit for a quick and satisfying breakfast
Method
Add all the ingredients to a bowl
Get your hands in and makes sure the peanut butter is rubbed thoroughly in the mixture
Transfer to a baking tray, and put in an oven preheated to 180 degrees
Bake for 30 minutes, half way through take the mix out and stir the mixture to make sure it cooks evenly
If you like quick easy mid week dinners then check this out. An easy delicious dish that’s is good enough to crack out for company.
This can be made in advance and reheated if you fancy some weekend cooking. I usually serve with rice or crusty bread to soak up all the yummy juices this cooks in. It’s colourful, tasty and smells fantastic,
Mediterranean Chicken Traybake
Serves 4
Ingredients
4 Large chicken thighs ( I used ones that still had the bone in, and left the skin on. But you can use the boneless skinless ones if you prefer)
100 Grams Green beans (I use frozen ones that I have defrosted)
100 Grams button mushrooms (halved)
1 Red pepper (Cut into chunks)
1 Yellow pepper (Cut into chunks)
1 Red onion (cut into quarters)
12 Black olives, (optional)
8 Cherry tomatoes
1 Tbsp Olive oil
1 Tsp Smoked paprika
1 Tbsp White wine vinegar
2 Cloves of garlic
Salt and pepper
Method
In a baking dish, mix the olive oil and smoked paprika and put into an oven that has been preheated to 200 degrees, for 5 minutes
Add the vegetables and garlic to the dish and coat with the oil and paprika mix, and bake for 10 minutes
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper
Remove the vegetables from the oven add the white wine vinegar and stir, set the chicken thighs on top and bake for a further 25 minutes
Remove from the oven and check that chicken is fully cooked, serve when ready.
