‘Jolly’ Ginger Biscuits

This recipe was given to our family by Mrs Jolly, the Swedish mother of my brother’s school friend Neal.  It’s one of those recipes that works every time.  A lovely crispy spiced biscuit: very more-ish.  At a glance, the amount of spice used seems rather a lot: the original recipe calls for scant teaspoonfuls.  Once you have tried [...]

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Rosy Potato Salad

This salad is both pretty and simple.  I used to serve potato salad and beetroot separately, but having discovered how tasty they were when mixed together on a plate I often now mix and place them in a bowl together.  For a bit of fun, this salad could be served as part of a pink themed meal!   To [...]

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Special Coleslaw

There are so many different recipes for Coleslaw, but this is the one I always use. It comes from a shared lunch I attended a very long time ago and was so delicious I made sure I did not leave without finding out the ingredients. I was not given any quantities at the time and think this is a [...]

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Roast Mixed Vegetables with Balsamic Vinegar

This colourful vegetable assortment, which can be varied as you wish, is a good accompaniment for a roast dinner and is especially useful (and easy) if you are entertaining for Sunday lunch as preparation can be done in advance.  The vegetables used can vary according to season, or availability, though I suggest that onion is an essential starting point unless you [...]

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Black Forest Trifle

A simple and delicious dessert of cherries with cream and custard which can, apart from adding the cream and decoration, be made ahead of time. Chocolate cake is best for the sponge layer – if I use chocolate swiss roll I lessen the sugar in the custard slightly, otherwise the trifle can be very sweet. To [...]

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Toad in the Hole with Fried Onion

We love Toad in the Hole (the traditional British dish of sausages in batter) but we also love lots of fried onions (and I mean lots – often one medium onion each!) so I combine the two. This dish can be cooked at any time of the year, but is definitely a winter ‘comfort food’ favourite.  I use the best quality sausages I [...]

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Basic Recipe: Batter Mixture – Yorkshire Puddings

This batter mixture can be used for Yorkshire Puddings, Toad in the Hole, fritters and Clafoutis.  Double the liquid quantities for pancakes.
This is our family recipe.  I usually halve the mixture for just 3/4 people.  My father’s Yorkshire puddings, the recipe learned from his mother, rose so successfully that my mother weighed and wrote down the exact [...]

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Lemony Baked Pears & Peaches

This simple everyday recipe can be cooked in the microwave on a low setting but, if you have time and the oven is on for something else, it is much better baked. I often cook pears on their own rather than with peaches so I have given information about both.  Pear & lemon alone can be [...]

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Chilled Citrus & Melon Cocktail

This extremely quick and simple chilled fruit cocktail makes an ideal starter for a summer supper, but can be served at any time of the year, particularly before rich main and dessert courses.  It also makes a refreshing start to the day served as part of  breakfast or brunch. If serving at a dinner party, I always make plenty as any leftovers [...]

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