Article archive

Fish Pie

15/09/2017 16:11
FISH PIE An old recipe that my Grandma would make dinner.  My favourite too. Lovely comfort food. Serves 2 1lb filleted haddock or cod, skinned & cut into chunks. 1 tablespoon lemon...

Interview with David Beaulieu

27/09/2014 06:46
David Beaulieu's career as a garden writer and dispenser of landscaping tips builds on a decade of prior work in the nursery business. He attributes his accumulation of such a diversity of plant...

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Vegetable Recipes

Broad Beans

28/06/2013 09:58
Broad beans (Vicia faba) are one of the most ancient cultivated crops, with records going back to before 6000 BC. Broad beans, which are also known...

Daikon

23/02/2013 11:15
The Daikon radish, also known as Mooli, White Radish, Japanese radish, Oriental radish, Chinese radish, and Icicle radish, is a popular Asian...

Butternut Squash Risotto

24/10/2012 21:13
RISOTTO An Italian dish, risotto should be wonderful and creamy, so make sure you use a short grain rice, such as Arborio or Carnaroli for the...

Mushroom Curry

21/09/2012 22:47
A quick and easy meatfree recipe. You can use any of your favourite mushrooms for this dish Serves 4 450g / 1lb mushrooms - washed 2 tbsp...

Spiced Cabbage

06/09/2012 09:04
Full of goodness and packed with spicy flavours Serves 4 1 Savoy cabbage , finely shredded 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 onion, chopped 70g...

Cabbage & Pearl Barley Pot

06/09/2012 09:00
A hearty meat-free dish Serves 4 1 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 4 carrots,roughly chopped 1 savoy cabbage or...

Autumn Vegetables

01/09/2012 08:57
Make the most of those seasonal vegetables whilst they are at their very best. I love to roast root vegetables, like parsnips, carrots,...

Aubergine Curry

29/08/2012 13:25
Tender aubergines in a creamy, warm spicy sauce. ~ Serves 4 2 Aubergines, cut into wedges, then halved. 1 onion, finely chopped 300g...

Spiced Lentil & Potato Ragout

29/08/2012 13:21
A Warming Vegetarian Dish Serves 4 1tbsp oil 1 onion,chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed 500g potatoes, peeled & cut into...

Beans & Greens Stew

29/08/2012 13:19
A hearty bean and vegetable stew thats packed full of goodness Serves 4 250g dried Haricot or Cannellini beans 1 tbsp Olive oil 1...

Beet Greens

21/07/2012 16:10
Don't go throwing away those lovely green leaves from your beetroots as they are very nutritious. Here are a few ideas to make the best of...

Swede

21/07/2012 16:08
Swede is often confused with the turnip, though they look quite different. It's also known as yellow turnip, Swedish turnip and Russian turnip. In...

Horseradish

21/07/2012 16:08
Horseradish is an Asian plant now widely naturalized through much of Europe. Horseradish was brought to Britain from the Middle East in the...

Leeks

21/07/2012 16:06
Leeks are related to garlic and onions but have a much subtler, sweeter flavour. Leeks make a fantastically flavoursome vegetable side dish....

Peas

21/07/2012 16:04
Pass the peas please! Peas are one of the few vegetables that are as good frozen as fresh, but you still can't beat peas harvested fresh from your...

Spinach

21/07/2012 16:03
Spinach is thought to have originated in ancient Persia (Iran). Spinach made its way to China in the 7th century when the king of Nepal sent it as a...

Chicory

21/07/2012 16:02
Chicory, also known as endive or radicchio. A tightly-packed bulb of either green and white leaves or red and white, can be used raw or cooked....

Fennel

21/07/2012 16:00
There are two types of fennel, one is grown for the seeds, and the other used as a vegetable. Florence fennel, Finocchio or Sweet Fennel, is...

Peppers

21/07/2012 15:42
Bell peppers are native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. Peppers quickly became popular in Europe, where they were eaten whole, made...

Asparagus

21/07/2012 15:39
The ancient Egyptians began cultivating asparagus more than 2,000 years ago. The Greeks and Romans prized asparagus for its unique flavour, texture,...
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Mossy's Specials

Sweet Treats for Valentine's Day

13/02/2013 19:57
MELTING MOMENTS Melt in the mouth vanilla cookies topped with coconut and sweet cherries. Makes 10 50g / 2oz butter 40g  / 1 1/2oz caster sugar 60g / 2 1/2oz self-raising flour 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 110g / 4oz desiccated coconut 10 glace cherries Preheat the oven 180C/350F/Gas Mark...

Thanksgiving Day

30/09/2012 21:20
Menu Creamy Cauliflower Soup - with Cheesy Croutons ~~~ Roast Turkey Cranberry, Chestnut & Mushroom Loaf ( Vegetarian) Sage & Onion Stuffing Balls ~~~ Crispy Roast Potatoes Brussels Sprouts with crispy herb crumbs Caramelised Carrots Green Beans with Almond & Orange...

Autumn Bounty

20/09/2012 21:26
Make the best of what Autumn has to offer and enjoy some delicious fruits and vegetables of the season.   Orchards are brimming with cripsy apples & pears, plums and figs.   The Blackberry season spans the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. These berries are great used...

Curry Feast - Indian Buffet

07/09/2012 10:09
CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA Serves 4-6 2 tbsp sunflower oil 2 onions, peeled & sliced 5cm/2in piece ginger root, peeled & finely chopped 4 garlic cloves, peeled & finely chopped 1 tsp honey 4 tsp garam masala 2 ts turmeric 3 tbsp natural yogurt 1 x...

Autumn

01/09/2012 08:44
Autumn is a time when leaves start falling from the trees. A time to collect food for the harvest. When Apples are rosy and crisp to eat. When Squirrels gather nuts to tuck away for the Winter. Some people call autumn, "fall," which refers to the leaves falling off the trees during this...

Christmas Meal Special

17/08/2012 21:52
CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH ~ To Start ~ Creamy Cauliflower soup with Cheesy Croutons ~Main course ~ Roast Beef with Peppercorn Crust & Yorkie Puds ~ Vegetarian Choice ~ Cranberry, Chestnut & Mushroom Loaf All Served with a selection of veggies and potatoes ~ Crispy Roast...

Christmas Traditions

08/08/2012 09:31
Have you ever wondered why we decorate our homes, sing carols or kiss under the mistletoe? Well, here is a little history behind some of the most popular traditions that we still celebrate today. A tradition we like to celebrate here in England is our Christingle service at the church, which...

Halloween

08/08/2012 09:22
Halloween around the world is a traditional holiday that is considered one of the oldest in history. Halloween is held annually on October 31st. It was developed from ancient new year festivals and festivals of the dead. Combining Christian customs and Druid autumn festivals. (Druids were a...

Thirst Quenchers

28/07/2012 19:49
GINGER BEER SODA Serves 4 250g fresh Ginger, peeled & thinly sliced Zest & Juice of 1 unwaxed Lemon 200g golden caster sugar 1 litre Soda Water In a saucepan, add the ginger, lemon zest and sugar and pour over just enough water to cover. Bring to the boil slowly until the sugar...

Winter Warmers

28/07/2012 19:46
CHRISTMAS DRINKS Welcome friends and family with a seasonal drink.  Here is an enticing array of warming drinks to keep those chills at bay. Traditionally Mulled drinks were mixed at the fireside and heated with a red-hit poker.   MULLED WINE This is a real festive winter...
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In the Pantry

In the Pantry

21/07/2012 15:05
The better stocked your Pantry, the easier your meals will be to prepare.  The pantry is your saviour, whether you need to save money, need to whip up a meal in an instant or you simply don't fancy that  trip to the shops. Dried Food - Rice, Pasta, Noodles, Beans & Lentils, Oats,...

Herb's & Spice's

Spices

20/07/2012 23:18
Cooking with spices can be one great adventure that transports you to any part of the world that takes your fancy! Even before you taste the food the evocative aroma of spices can stimulate the appetite. Don't be afaid of using spices in cooking as there is a number of ways in which spices and...

Herbs

20/07/2012 23:14
Herbs are fairly easy to grow yourself, and they are very useful in cooking, they provide great seasoning and flavour to food. MINT ~ There are many varieties of mint, which have a refreshing, cooling taste. It will blend well with sweet or savoury dishes. Try using it with summer fruits, Lamb,...

Fruits,Berries & Nuts

Avocado

07/04/2013 10:26
The avocado is a fruit that is often mistaken for a vegetable.   Avocados come in different shapes, from oval to pear depending on which variety they are from. But green or dark, rough or smooth, they are all the same inside. With a large inedible stone surrounded by soft, buttery,...

Avocado

07/04/2013 10:26
The Avocado is a fruit that is often mistaken for a vegetable.   Avocados come in different shapes, from oval to pear depending on which variety they are from. But green or dark, rough or smooth, they are all the same inside. With a large inedible stone surrounded by soft, buttery,...

Mangoes

05/04/2013 19:40
Mangoes are amongst the most delicious and luxurious of all tropical fruits. The mango is known as the 'King of fruits' throughout the world. Once a native of India and cultivated in Asia for over four thousand years. Today mangoes are grown in many tropical climate countries across the globe. A...

Melons

18/03/2013 16:02
Melons are members of the cucurbit family, which includes pumpkins, courgettes, cucumbers, summer squash and winter squash. Like these fruits, they grow on a trailing vine, with melons requiring a lot of warmth along with plenty of sunshine to grow. Melons are large, hard-skinned fruits with...

Pomegranates

24/07/2012 09:04
 Pomegranates always remind me of Christmas. Crack these little orbs open and hidden inside you shall find little crimson jewels bursting with flavour. To me they are very festive adding a beautiful ruby-red colour to Christmas dishes. Pomegranates are very versatile and can be used with...

Cherries

24/07/2012 08:59
Cherries come in a wide range of shapes, colours and flavours. Ranging from red through to deep maroon and almost black in colour. Fresh cherries are delicious eaten as they are or added to fruit salads. Cherries work particularly well with chocolate and warming spices - cinnamon and cloves and...

Figs

21/07/2012 16:00
Figs can trace their history back to the earliest of times with mentions in the Bible and other ancient writings. They are thought to have been first cultivated in Egypt. Figs grow on the Ficus tree 'Ficus carica' which is a member of the Mulberry family. Fig trees can grow to 15m tall and many...

Apples & Pears

21/07/2012 09:59
APPLES  Apples can be divided into two types - eating and cooking. Cooking apples, as well as having a distinct flavour, hold their shape while cooking. Different varieties of apples are available at different times of the year. We have the wonderful Bramley apples here in England. Quite a...

Peaches, Plums & Necterines

21/07/2012 09:57
Biting into really ripe fruit and the juice running down your chin has to be one of the best summer taste experiences ever!   Peaches ~ Soft, fuzzy pinkish -yellow skin with a yellow or white flesh which is sweet and very juicy. Nectarines ~ A smooth-skinned variety of peach, with a sharper...

Berries

21/07/2012 09:54
VERY BERRY GOOD! Here is a selection of my favourite berries and ways to use them. Strawberries being the tops! STRAWBERRIES ~ Strawberries sum up everything thats good about English summers for me - longs days, wimbledon and delicious cream teas. Look out for Pick-Your- Own farms, picking...
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How To

Scented Sugars

30/06/2013 10:36
Sugar absorbs the sweet scents of petals, leaves, herbs & spices and can be used to impart a subtle aroma to cakes, biscuits, ice creams, custards, jams and teas. A selection of Scented sugars is a pretty and useful gift, especially when presented in decorative glass jars. A wonderful gift idea...

Eggs

26/03/2013 08:14
Eggs are one of the most versatile and natural products available. They can be served as a main dish by boiling, scrambling, frying, poaching or making into an omelette or pancakes. If you have your own chickens clucking around your yard, then your lucky, a freshly laid chucky egg for breakfast is...

Making a Stock

23/02/2013 17:29
A stock is a liquid flavoured from meat, poultry, fish, vegetables and seasonings. A Stock forms the basis of many soups and sauces and can be added to stews and casseroles.   BEEF STOCK Quite easy to make. You can use all kinds of bones – meaty beef shanks, beef oxtails, rib bones, marrow...

Make a Bouquet garni

22/02/2013 09:13
A classic flavouring in French cooking, a bouquet garni is a selection of fresh herbs simply tied together or dried ingredients combined in a small muslin bag. These little bundles of herbs impart a great depth of flavour when added to slowly simmered soups, casseroles, stews and stocks. A Bouquet...

Couscous

11/02/2013 20:50
Couscous, also known as Kuskus, Keskesu or Kuskusi. Couscous originated in Northern Africa, mainly Morocco. Couscous is popular through the Mediterranean and Middle East. Couscous is a form of pasta made of durum wheat semolina that is formed into grains or beads of various sizes. Couscous is very...

Rice - types & uses

02/02/2013 11:04
Rice is known to have been cultivated in China as long ago as 5,000 BC and has been and still is a staple food in various countries. The rice plant is a grass. It is related to wheat, oats, and barley. There are two main species of rice 'Oryza sativa' and 'Oryza glaberrima.' Rice can be grown...

Cooking Terms Glossary

04/10/2012 10:13
A helpful guide A   AL DENTE ~ An Italian term meaning 'to the tooth'. Pasta is cooked tender, but still firm. B BLEND ~ Combining ingredients until smooth and uniform in texture, flavour, and colour. BRAISE ~ a method of cooking that is used for tougher cuts of meat to make...

Get Baking ~ Tips & Glossary of Baking Terms

03/10/2012 21:50
Home baking is quite rewarding, not only can you make delicious sweet and savoury treats for your family and friends, but the actual hands on process of baking can be quite satisifying and even fun! If you have children, baking is a great way to encourage them to help in the kitchen, most...

Make Perfect Pastry

26/09/2012 13:57
Shortcrust pastry is the most widely used type of pastry. It is perfect for sweet or savoury pies, tarts and quiches. Shortcrust pastry is always made with plain flour and the proportion of fats to the flour is always half fat to flour. The fat for preference should be a mixture of lard which...

Know Your Chocolate

13/09/2012 20:24
When you're cooking with chocolate its certainly worth using the best quality plain dark chocolate you can afford. The best chocolate contains a high amount of cocoa solids. Look for chocolate with 60 - 70% solids and above, it has the best flavour, and its the best you can buy. Chocolate...
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Chutney's,Jam's,Relish & Pickles

Chutneys, Relishes & Pickles

24/07/2012 12:03
CHUTNEYS Chutneys are so easy to make as you don't have to worry about them setting. As with jams, boiling the fruit and vegetables kills any bacteria, but its the addition of vinegar that acts as the preserving agent. The taste of chutneys improve with time. So once made, its best to try and...

Jams

24/07/2012 12:00
Making jam is the ideal way to preserve the taste of summer fruits so they can be enjoyed throughout the year. Always choose just-ripe or slightly under-ripe fruit for making jams as it has a higher pectin content and your jams will be more likely to set successfully. Different fruits have...

Soups

Scotch Broth

08/02/2013 09:22
Scotch broth is a hearty, filling dish which originated in Scotland, but as with many old recipes it's ingredients can vary quite wildly. The essential elements of a scotch broth are Mutton /Lamb - cheaper cuts are used such the neck or shin. Pearl Barley - used to thicken the broth, Root...

Cream of Onion Soup

23/01/2013 14:48
A lovely creamy soup that's perfect on a cold Winters day. Quick and easy to prepare. Serve it with a hunk of your favourite cheese and some crusty bread. Serves 4 30g butter 600g onions, finely sliced 1 litre vegetable or chicken stock 100ml single cream 1 tbsp plain flour 1/2 tsp dry mustard...

Winter Vegetable Soup

23/01/2013 14:41
A wonderful thick, hearty vegetarian broth Serves 6 1.5 litres vegetable stock 50g butter 100g pearl barley 1 onion, chopped 2 leeks, thinly sliced 4 carrots, chopped 2 parsnips, peeled & chopped 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled & diced 100g celeriac, chopped 1 bay leaf 1 tsp dried...

Celeriac Soup

19/11/2012 21:19
 Serves 2-3 1 celeriac, peeled & chopped into cubes 1 medium onion, sliced finely 1 pint vegetable stock 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 bay leaf Salt & black pepper to taste 50ml double cream Handful fresh herbs, choose from ~ Chives, Parsley, Thyme leaves, Sage. Heat the...

Minestrone

30/09/2012 16:25
Minestrone is a “big soup” of Italian origin. Made with vegetables and with the addition of pasta and beans. The essence of this soup is whatever is available from the fields at a particular time of the year. Serves 6-8 2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 sticks celery, finely chopped 2...

Chicken Soup

22/07/2012 17:30
CHICKEN SOUP Wholesome and Filling serves 4 1tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 3 carrots, roughly chopped 4 sticks celery, finely chopped 3 potatoes, peeled & chopped into bite-sized chunks 560ml /1 pint chicken stock 700g ready cooked chicken,...

Tomato Soup

22/07/2012 17:25
Perfect soup for a chilly Autumn day. Tastes delicious served with cheese scones Serves 6 1.5kg ripe tomatoes, halved 2 red onions, peeled & cut into wedges 8 cloves garlic, unpeeled (this keeps the garlic cloves from burning & tasting bitter) 600ml vegetable stock 4 tbsp olive...

Creamy Leek & Potato Soup

22/07/2012 17:24
A nice creamy soup that's full of flavour, and really easy to make, this is one of Mossy's favourite soups. 1tbsp Vegetable oil 1 Onion, sliced 225g /8 oz Potatoes,cubed 2 medium Leeks, sliced 1.2 litres /2pt vegetable stock 150ml /5 floz Double cream Salt & black pepper Heat the...

Squash & Sweet Potato Soup

22/07/2012 17:22
SQUASH & SWEET POTATO Delicious served with cheese on toast ~ serves 4 1 butternut squash, peeled & chopped 2 sweet potatoes, peeled & chopped 1 onion, finely chopped 2 tsp ground coriander 3 pints vegetable stock 1 bayleaf Black pepper Heat a little oil in a large pan,...

Spicy Parsnip Soup

22/07/2012 17:18
SPICY PARSNIP ~ Serves 4 2 tbsp vegetable oil 2 onions, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 sticks celery, chopped 1-inch piece ginger, finely chopped 8 parsnips, peeled & roughly chopped 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp turmeric 1.1 litre vegetable stock Cumin seeds to...
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Cakes & Desserts

Baked Rice Pudding

30/12/2012 23:06
The ultimate comfort food Serves 4 75g / 3oz pudding rice (short grain-rice) 750ml / 1 1/4 pint whole milk 300ml / 10 floz double cream 2 heaped tbsp sugar 1 vanilla pod, seeds scraped 1 bay leaf Nutmeg, to grate over Butter, for greasing & dotting. Preheat the oven  15OC/...

Vanilla ice cream

30/12/2012 22:40
VANILLA  ICE  CREAM   A very nice, rich country-style ice cream Serves 4-6 4  Egg Yolks 1 tsp Vanilla Extract 300g Sweetened Condensed Milk 500ml double Cream Whip the egg yolks with vanilla until well fluffed up, add the condensed milk, continue whisking until...

Lemon Meringue Pie

28/11/2012 15:02
A gorgeous zingy dessert Serves 6-8 Pastry 150g plain flour 85g butter, cut into small pieces 35g icing sugar, sifted 1 egg yolk, beaten 1-2 tbsp milk Filling & Meringue topping 50g cornflour 250ml water 200g caster suagr Juice & grated rind of 3 unwaxed lemons 4 large...

Fairy Cakes

03/10/2012 21:41
A Fairy Cake is a small cake in a paper case, designed just for one. :) Kids will enjoy helping to make these sweet little cakes. Makes 12 4oz butter, softened 4oz caster sugar 4oz self-raisng flour 2 eggs, beaten Bun cases Icing & Decoration 8oz icing sugar 2-3 tbsp warm...

Bread & Butter Pudding

26/09/2012 20:57
A traditional pudding with fruit and spices Serves 6 200g white bread, sliced 50g butter, softened 25g sultanas 25g mixed candied peel 75g caster sugar 600ml milk 4 egg yolks 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg Preheat the oven 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6 Grease a 1.2 litre...

Apple Pie

26/09/2012 14:18
An old favourite made with Bramley apples. Bramley apples are a traditional English cooking apple. Can't find bramleys, then you can use apples of your choice for the pie. Serves 6-8   PASTRY 350g / 12oz plain flour pinch salt 85g / 3oz margarine 85g / 3oz lard 1-3 tbsp cold water milk for...

Chocolate & Pear Sponge

31/08/2012 20:26
A wonderful combination of chocolate and pears in a lovely moist sponge. Serves 6 175g / 6oz softened butter 175g / 6oz soft brown sugar 150g / 5 1/2 oz self raising flour 2 tbsp cocoa powder 3 eggs, beaten 2 tbsp milk 2 small pears, peeled, cored & sliced 23 cm/ 8 inch loose-bottomed cake...

Figgy Pudding

08/08/2012 08:58
Its that time of year again for gathering ingredients together for  'Stir-up Sunday'. Christmas or Plum Puddings have a firm tradition at Christmas in the UK, despite them taking hours to cook! Traditionally made four weeks before Christmas, on or after the Sunday before Advent.The name...

Traditional Simnel Cake

07/08/2012 20:06
Simnel Cake is a lovely light fruit cake with a layer of marzipan in the centre and on the top. The traditional decoration for the simnel cake is eleven balls of marzipan arranged in a circle on top, these represent Christ's disciples - Judas is left out for obvious reasons :) Also a candle can...

Pumpkin Pie

07/08/2012 20:04
PUMPKIN PIE A traditional and delicious dessert served at American Thanksgiving celebrations. Serves 6-8 For the pastry case ~ 150g plain flour 35g self-raising flour 2 tbsp cornflour 2 tbsp icing sugar 125g butter, chopped 2 tbsp water For the pie filling~ 235g cooked mashed...
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Catch of the Day

Fish Pie

15/09/2017 16:11
FISH PIE An old recipe that my Grandma would make dinner.  My favourite too. Lovely comfort food. Serves 2 1lb filleted haddock or cod, skinned & cut into chunks. 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2oz butter - for mashing & dotting Salt & Pepper 1lb Potatoes (weighed after peeling) For...

Linguine with Sardines

19/11/2012 21:23
A tasty pasta dish with fresh sardines. Fresh sardines are surprisingly cheap to buy and make a nutritious supper. Sardines have a silvery-blue skin and a rich, oily flesh. Named after Sardinia where they used to be abundant, the majority of sardines are now found in the Atlantic and the...

Fish & Chips

14/09/2012 09:43
FISH & CHIPS Serve up some Homemade Fish in Beer batter and Chunky chips for Fish Friday. Serves 4 4 fish fillets - cod, haddock, pollack or any other firm-fleshed white fish, skinned & boned Sunflower oil for frying 4 large King Edward or Maris Piper Potatoes * ( Floury potatoes...

Fish Fingers

22/07/2012 19:55
FISH FINGERS Oven baked, crunch-coated fish fingers, everyone's favourite! Serves 4 800g white fish 2 eggs 100g white bread zest 1 lemon 6 tbsp mayonnaise 1 clove garlic, crushed Heat the oven to 190C/ gas mark 5   Cut the fish into fingers. Whizz or grate the bread into...

Grilled Trout with Lemon & Almonds

22/07/2012 19:52
GRILLED TROUT WITH LEMON & ALMONDS ~ Served with baked fennel~ ~ Serves 2 ~ 2 rainbow trout, cleaned & gutted & heads removed if preferred- (your fishmonger can do this for you) 2 tbsp flaked almonds juice of 1 lemon sea salt & freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp olive...

Herb-Crusted Salmon

21/07/2012 19:33
HERB-CRUSTED SALMON ~ with vine roasted tomatoes A great one-pan recipe Serves 4 Heat the oven 190C/ Gas mark 5/ 375F   Olive oil 4 salmon fillets 4 strands of cherry tomatoes 40g fresh white breadcrumbs 2 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh...

Salmon Fish Cakes

21/07/2012 19:30
SALMON FISH CAKES Grab a can of salmon from the pantry for these quick and easy fishcakes. Serves 4 350g Potatoes, peeled & quartered 25g Butter 1 tbsp Milk 1 tbsp Fresh chopped parsley 2 tbsp Plain flour 1 Egg, lightly beaten Olive oil 75g Homemade breadcrumbs 213g Can red...

Spiced Mackerel & Tomato Salsa

21/07/2012 16:27
SPICED MACKEREL Grilled whole mackerel with warming spices, served with tomato salsa salad.  Serves 4 4 whole mackerel Olive oil 1 tsp ground turmeric 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander Slash each mackerel three times on either side. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a small...

Fabulous Fish

21/07/2012 16:13
Fish is very versatile and can be cooked and served in a variety of ways. Baked, stuffed, fried, poached, cooked in risottos, soups, and pasta dishes and also cooked on the BBQ.   There is a good variety of fish and shellfish available. Perch are one of the finest flavoured of all...

Salad Bar

Ploughmans Lunch

23/07/2012 21:24
A “Ploughman’s Lunch,” is one of the most famous of pub lunches and is featured on most pub menus in Britain ~ so simple and yet so satisfying, especially if taken with a pint of real ale or cider. : ) Throughout the centuries, agricultural workers would take their lunch out to the fields...

Crispy Croutons

23/07/2012 21:00
CRISPY CROUTONS Croutons are an ideal accompaniment to sprinkle over salads and soups - they add an interesting crunchy texture as well as flavour. 2 thick slices white bread, cubed 1 tbsp olive oil   Put the cubes of bread in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and toss until evenly...

Crunchy Coleslaw

23/07/2012 20:58
CRUNCHY COLESLAW This is a really easy to make, and tastes great as a side dish with bbq foods. Used in sandwich fillings, or my favourite on jacket spuds. :)   1/2 White cabbage, shredded finely 2 large Carrots, grated 1 Onion, chopped 150ml Mayonnaise - or more if you like it a...

Egg & Potato Salad

23/07/2012 20:55
EGG & POTATO SALAD Serves 4 Put 8 small eggs into a pan and bring to the boil, cook for 6 minutes. Cool them rapidly under cold running water - let the cold tap run over them for about 1 minute, then leave them in cold water till they're cool enough to handle. Tap the eggs all over to...

Salad Dressings

21/07/2012 19:29
SALAD DRESSINGS Salad Dressing ~ sauce for a salad that are usually based on vinaigrette, mayonnaise, or other emulsified product. Dressings are an important part of any salad and add flavour as well as moisture. The original and oldest of all dressings is the oil and vinegar better known...

Lettuce & Salad Leaves

21/07/2012 16:15
One of the world’s most popular salad vegetables, lettuces come in many shapes, sizes and colours. Lettuce is the base ingredient for salads and is popular as a topping for sandwiches. Lettuce can also be used in soups and the large lettuce leaves can be used as the outer covering for...

Bakery

Chelsea Buns

07/03/2013 20:56
Chelsea buns are delicious, sweet and spicy old-fashioned buns. Chelsea buns are made from coils of enriched yeast dough, that is studded with dried fruits, flavoured with mixed spice and glazed with a sweet, sticky syrup. The fun part is uncoiling them as you eat them. : ) The original recipe for...

Naan Bread

29/08/2012 19:40
These are delicious served along side your curry. Makes 3 500g / 1lb 2oz strong White flour, plus extra for dusting 1 1/2 tsp Salt 15g / 1/2 oz Yeast 2 tsp Nigella seeds (black onion seeds) Olive oil-for frying Water to mix Put the flour, salt & yeast into a bowl and add enough...

Cheese Scones

17/08/2012 20:27
CHEESE SCONES Makes around 8 250g self-raising flour 1/2 tsp salt 50g butter 150ml milk 1tsp mustard powder 125g mature cheese,grated Pumpkin / Sunflower seeds Preheat oven gas 6/200C/400F and lightly grease a baking tray.   Put the flour and salt into bowl, rub in the butter...

Mince Pies

08/08/2012 08:44
No traditional Christmas would be complete with out a batch of these delicious treats. Mince Pies, like Christmas Pudding, were originally filled with meat, such as lamb, rather than a dried fruit mix as they are today. The filling is a mixture of raisins, sultanas, apricots, glace cherries,...

Fruit Loaf

07/08/2012 20:58
FRUIT LOAF Enjoy a slice of Grandma's fruit loaf   8oz self-raising flour 4oz butter 4oz caster sugar 1 large egg, beaten 2oz currants 2oz sultanas 20z glace cherries, quartered 4-5 tbsp milk grated rind of 1 lemon handful flaked almonds Preheat the oven- 180C/350F/ gas mark...

Scones

07/08/2012 20:53
Scones are a small rich quick bread, similar to a rich biscuit. Scones can be sweet or savoury. The sweet scones are usually served spilt and served with fruity jam and cream as part of a traditional british cream tea. SCONES Makes 8 250g self raising- flour 2 tbsp sugar 1/2 tsp...

Banana Bread

07/08/2012 20:50
BANANA BREAD ~ Serves 12 4oz /100g butter 4oz /100g brown sugar 1 large egg 8oz /225g plain flour 2 level tsp baking powder pinch salt 2oz / 50g Sultanas or Raisens 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 2 large ripe bananas Greased 2lb/1kg loaf tin. Preheat the oven - 350F/180C/gas 4 Cream the...

Hot Cross Buns

07/08/2012 20:01
Hot Cross Buns are a sweet, mildly spiced bun containing spices and fruits. Traditionally, hot cross buns are eaten on Good Friday, with the cross on the buns standing for the crucifixion of Christ. At one time there were laws forbidding the sale of hot cross buns at any time other than Easter...

Pizza

24/07/2012 08:42
Homemade pizza tastes better than shop bought, and if you've got kids, they will enjoy helping to make it and eat it! Pizza is so adaptable, you can add any topping you wish. Great way of using up any veggies and herbs. ~ PIZZA DOUGH ~ Makes enough for 2 large 14in pizzas Oven temp - gas...

Focaccia

24/07/2012 08:39
Focaccia is a flat oven - baked Italian bread, which tastes delicious topped with herbs, as well as vegetables and drizzled with olive oil. ~ To make a Basic Focaccia~ 500g strong bread flour 7g pack, easy blend yeast 2 tbsp sea salt 250ml warm water 6 tbsp olive oil Sprig fresh...
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Meat & Poultry

Sweet Sticky Pork Ribs

19/11/2012 21:32
There are many types of ribs, including beef short ribs, pork spareribs and pork baby back ribs (also called pork loin ribs). Ribs have a membrane on the bone side that should be removed before cooking for easy eating and to allow marinades to penetrate the meat. The membrane is easily removed....

Stir-fried Chicken with Greens

16/11/2012 21:30
A fast & tasty stir-fry   Serves 4 2 tbsp sunflower oil 3 large skinless & boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips 5cm fresh root ginger, peeled & finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, sliced 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 6 tbsp water 1 tbsp light soy sauce 175g green beans,...

Glazed Gammon with Maple Syrup & Mustard

25/10/2012 16:16
Know your Gammon ~ Gammon is one of those traditional Christmas meats, often cooked on boxing day and served cold with leftover turkey and salads. Christmas isn't complete without one. But Gammon can be enjoyed all year round, cooked in many different ways and used for a variety of recipes. Often...

Roast Chicken with Creamy Butternut Gratin

30/09/2012 16:00
ROAST CHICKEN Serves 6 2.25 Kg / 5lb chicken - remove string & giblets 55g/2oz butter 1 lemon, quartered 2 tbsp chopped fresh lemon thyme sea salt & black pepper 1 tbsp plain flour 600ml / 1pt chicken stock Preheat the oven 220C/ 425F/Gas Mark 7 Make sure the chicken is...

Roast leg of Lamb with rosemary & garlic

21/09/2012 21:13
Serve up succulent roast lamb for lunch Serves 6 2 kg leg of lamb 1 tbsp English Mustard 1 tbsp redcurrant jelly 3 cloves of garlic, cut into slivers 3  fresh rosemary sprigs Preheat the oven to 200C / 400F/ Gas mark 6. Rub the lamb with the mustard and redcurrant jelly and place into a...

Roast Pork & Crackling

14/09/2012 21:50
A Sunday Roast that is so easy to cook and tastes so good! 1.5kg  pork loin, on the bone, skin scored 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp sea salt Take your joint out of the fridge and allow it to warm up for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Pre- heat the oven 230C/450F/ Gas Mark 8 and...

Traditional Roast Chicken Dinner

05/09/2012 21:37
 ROAST CHICKEN Serves 6 2.25 Kg / 5lb chicken - remove string & giblets 55g/2oz butter 1 lemon, quartered 2 tbsp chopped fresh lemon thyme sea salt & black pepper 1 tbsp plain flour 600ml / 1pt chicken stock Preheat the oven 220C/ 425F/Gas Mark 7 Make sure the...

Roast Beef Dinner

31/08/2012 08:44
ROAST BEEF WITH A PEPPERCORN CRUST Serves 8-10 Preparation time ~ 5 minutes COOKING GUIDE TIMES   Rare: 20 minutes per 450g/1lb plus 20 minutes Medium: 25 minutes per 450g/1lb plus 25 minutes Well done: 30 minutes per 450g/1lb plus 30 minutes INGREDIENTS 2.7kg / 6lb : Rib of...

Toad in the hole

28/07/2012 19:56
Toad in the hole is a traditional English recipe. It is quite simply sausages baked in the oven with a delicious Yorkshire pudding batter baked around them. So, no toads, just sausages :) TOAD-IN-THE-HOLE I find good quality herby Sausages are the best for this dish. And I like to serve this...

BBQ

24/07/2012 15:23
Summer is here, which means its time to get out in the garden and fire-up that barbecue! Nothing beats the laid-back fun of a summer BBQ, with delicious foods sizzling over hot coals, big bowls of salad, chunks of crusty bread and jugs full of ice-cold drinks! MARINADES, BUTTERS &...
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Sauces

Chunky Tomato Pasta Sauce

20/08/2012 15:40
This is a really simple chunky tomato sauce that goes so well served over any pasta. The tomatoes are roasted which intensifies their flavour. Serves 4 3 tbsp olive oil 1  red onion, halved 5 gloves garlic, peeled 2 red peppers, quartered 350g ripe tomatoes 400g dried...

Pumpkin Dip

17/08/2012 20:01
Pumpkins and squashes just love to soak up spices and other aromatics, which makes this dip taste delicious! 600g Pumpkin or Butternut squash flesh 6 tbsp Olive oil 1tsp Harissa 1 clove garlic, peeled & crushed to a paste 1tsp ground Coriander sea salt & Black pepper juice of 1...

Houmous

17/08/2012 19:59
HOUMOUS Serves 4-6 410g can chickpeas,drained & rinsed 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped 3 tbsp olive oil * 2 tbsp Tahini   100g greek yogurt juice 1/2 lemon good pinch of paprika In a food processor, add the chickpeas and garlic and whizz up. Add the tahini, lemon juice,...

Bread Sauce

05/08/2012 11:28
An old-fashioned accompaniment to a roast dinner. No Christmas dinner table is complete without it! BREAD SAUCE Serves 8-10 1 onion, peeled 4 cloves 115g / 4oz fresh white breadcrumbs 55g /2oz butter salt & pepper 600ml / 1pt milk 1 bay leaf Nutmeg Stud the onion with the...

Tartare Sauce

04/08/2012 21:50
Tartare sauce ~  A creamy-white tangy mayonnaise-based sauce flavoured with chopped capers, gherkins and herbs such as tarragon, parsley or chives. Tartare sauce is traditionally served with fried white fish such as cod, plaice or haddock. It is also a very popular accompaniment to deep...

Mint Sauce

24/07/2012 14:11
MINT SAUCE Delicious served with lamb, the tang of mint complements it better than any other flavour. 50g mint leaves pinch salt 25g brown sugar 150ml white vinegar 50ml boiling water Finely chop the mint leaves and put them into a glass bowl. Sprinkle with a little salt and pour over the...

RedCurrant Sauce

24/07/2012 14:10
REDCURRANT SAUCE A slightly sweet, slightly sour sauce is perfect for serving with rich meat such as Goose,duck and pork. Makes 225ml9  (8 fl oz) jars 750g redcurrants, stalks removed 500g granulated sugar 3 allspice berries or large pinch of ground allspice 150ml balsamic...

Cranberry Sauces

24/07/2012 14:07
CRANBERRY AND ORANGE SAUCE Serves-6-8 450g Cranberries 125g Brown sugar zest & Juice of 3 Oranges Put all the ingredients into a small pan and simmer gently for about 10-15 mins, until cranberries are soft, stirring occasionally. Best served hot, this sauce can also be served cold...

Basil Pesto

21/07/2012 19:37
BASIL ~ Basil has a warm, spicy aroma. It is the perfect partner to Italian foods. Great used in all tomato dishes, on pizza, and is the main ingredient in pesto. Try this easy to make fresh basil pesto that goes with just about anything. - Marinade chicken fillets or lamb steaks with pesto...

Reference(Mossy's Cookbook)

Kitchen Cleaning Tips

25/07/2012 09:31
* For wiping down Kitchen surfaces and cleaning floors, use 5 drops of Tea tree or Bergamot oil to 1 litre of water. * Wipe down the kitchen dustbin with a few drops of Teatree or Lavender oil on a damp cloth. * Add a few drops of Lavender,Teatree or Eucalyptus to your sinks to freshen...

Oils

21/07/2012 19:52
Oils   You will find different oils suit different uses.  On the whole, mildly flavoured oils with a high smoking point are suitable for frying and cooking, but more strongly flavoured oils such as extra virgin olive oil are better used for flavouring or in dressings. Vegetable...

In the Pantry

21/07/2012 19:51
The better stocked your Pantry, the easier your meals will be to prepare.  The pantry is your saviour, whether you need to save money, need to whip up a meal in an instant or you simply don't fancy that  trip to the shops. Dried Food- Rice, Pasta, Noodles, Beans & Lentils, Oats,...

Pots & Pans

21/07/2012 19:49
POTS & PANS Cooking vessels are typically referred to as 'pots' and 'pans' but there is great variation in their actual shapes. The first pots and pans originated with the development of pottery some time prior to 20,000 BC. The early pottery vessels were not able to hold water though, but...

Natural Cleaning Tips

21/07/2012 19:48
I'm not a big fan of using chemicals, especially around the home, I much prefer the more natural approach when it comes to cleaning. This is  far better for the environment than all those harsh, synthetic chemicals. There are lots of natural ways to clean and freshen your home.   Some of...

Breakfast

Omelette

20/10/2012 17:09
OMELETTE ~ Fluffy and golden on the outside, soft and squidgy on the inside. Quick, filling and easy to make. Making an Omelette for one ~ Break 3 eggs into a large bowl, season with a little salt & freshly ground pepper. Using a whisk, carefully blend the egg yolks and white, but don't...

Rise & Shine

20/10/2012 15:40
Rise and Shine and Start the day well. Breakfast is indeed a very important meal. 'Breakfast' literally means ‘breaking the fast’ after a good night’s sleep. No matter how busy you are, a good breakfast fuels you up and gets you ready for the day ahead. A traditional English breakfast is called...

Kedgeree

20/10/2012 15:31
Originally served at Victorian breakfast tables, kedgeree derives from the Indian dish, Khichri. Serves 4 12oz undyed smoked haddock 1/2 pint milk & water mixed, for poaching 1 bay leaf 2oz butter 2 tbsp cream 1 onion, finely chopped 1 tsp dry mustard powder 1 tsp medium curry...

Poached Eggs on Toast

20/10/2012 15:05
A quick and easy nutritious breakfast Serves 2 4 slices of bread 4 large eggs Salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste Bring a saucepan of water to the boil. While the water is coming to the right temperature, start toasting your bread. Reduce the heat so the water bubbles very...

Kippers

17/10/2012 10:16
Kippers are herrings which have been split in half, cleaned, salted, and then smoked. Read more about Kippers. Kippers are a traditional English breakfast dish, often served with a poached egg. They may be grilled, fried or jugged. To ensure the whole house does not reek of fish, the best...

Chucky Egg & Soldiers

16/10/2012 22:00
To get a lovely soft-boiled egg for your breakfast. Place the eggs in the saucepan and cover them with just enough cold water. Put them on a high heat, as soon as they reach boiling point, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, and cook for ...   3 minutes for a really soft-boiled egg 4...

Scotch Pancakes

16/10/2012 21:23
Scotch Pancakes, otherwise known as Drop Scones or Griddle cakes. These little pancakes are very easy to make and easy to flip too! I love to make and enjoy these anytime of the year. They make great little breakfast treats. Lovely buttered and served with a little home-made Jam. Or if you...

Scrambled Eggs with Mushrooms

16/10/2012 20:32
A lovely breakfast recipe for two. You could use wild mushrooms for this recipe too, if you enjoy foraging for your edibles. 250g mixed mushrooms 6 eggs 50g unsalted butter 2 tsp fresh chopped thyme leaves Sea salt & plenty of freshly ground Black pepper Clean the mushrooms and...

In The Dairy

Panna Cotta with Raspberry Compote

11/02/2013 20:27
Panna cotta, or 'cooked cream' in Italian, is a dessert that consists of a lightly sweetened cream mixture that is set with a small amount of gelatin. Panna cottas can be flavoured with a whole variety of different ingredients. Typically it's served with fruit, syrup, or honey. Serves 6 500ml...

Butter - a variety of flavoured butters

23/01/2013 20:53
BUTTER ~ a natural product made from churning cream, until the fats separate from the liquid (buttermilk) and the butter is in a semi-solid state. Butter is a waxy substance, usually a creamy white or very pale yellow colour. Butter is a versatile and widely used ingredient. The most common form of...

The Cheeseboard

01/01/2013 21:50
In many countries it's the usual custom to serve a cheeseboard at the end of a meal. But a cheeseboard can be enjoyed anytime. Your cheese board can be as simple or as extravagant as you wish. There are no set rules, but try to keep to a theme to avoid too many competing flavours. Choose a...

Cheese

31/12/2012 17:10
Cheese can be made from a variety of milks, not only from cows, but from goats, sheep and buffalos. Cheese comes in many different colours, textures, tastes and appearances. Cheese is used mostly for sandwich fillings, in day to day cooking and as an everyday snack with crackers/...

Month by Month

JULY

01/07/2013 11:29
July is the seventh month of the year in the Gregorian calendar. It was the fifth month in the...

June

02/06/2013 10:52
June is the sixth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar. June was named in honour of the...

MAY

01/05/2013 11:16
The month of May is the fifth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar. It has 31 days. May was...

APRIL

31/03/2013 21:44
April is the fourth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and is one of four months to have...

MARCH

28/02/2013 15:39
MARCH Spring is in the air! The first day of Spring begins on Wednesday March 20th. March is the...

FEBRUARY

02/02/2013 10:25
February is the second month of the year. It is also the shortest month.The name was derived from...

January

30/12/2012 22:04
Januaury ~ The beginning of a New year. A time for looking forward and wishing for a good year...

December

01/12/2012 22:10
DECEMBER December is the twelfth and last month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. It was...

NOVEMBER

20/10/2012 21:29
NOVEMBER The summertime clocks have changed and the nights draw in. A nip in the air and a...

October

30/09/2012 20:25
October is the month of  ghouls, scares, and jack-o’-lanterns. Leaves changing colour and...
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Gardening with Mossy

The Flower Clock

07/01/2013 15:42
Telling the time with a Flower Clock. Botanists and gardeners had known for centuries that...

Cottage Garden

21/07/2012 19:39
The Cottage garden displays a glorious riot of colours, textures, various heights and fragrances....

Creating a Buzz

21/07/2012 15:32
CREATING A BUZZ It's hard to imagine a garden without flowering plants and the more varities...
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Crafts

Scents of the Season

21/07/2012 17:38
SCENTS OF THE SEASON Bring a warm and cosy...

Presents for all

21/07/2012 17:36
Giving and receiving presents is part of the...

Festive Foraging

21/07/2012 17:35
FESTIVE FORAGING  ...

Mossy's Tips(Home & Garden)

Bring them Flocking - Attracting Birds to the Garden

21/07/2012 17:48
By creating a bird friendly garden you will be...

Christmas Oranges

21/07/2012 17:47
Juicy Oranges have all the scent of the season,...

Scotty's Heirloom Favourites

Scotty's Heirloom Favourites

19/07/2012 12:50
~TOMATOES~ BRANDYWINE:A perennial favourite that's considered the queen of the heirloom...

Musings of a Gardener

Interview with David Beaulieu

27/09/2014 06:46
David Beaulieu's career as a garden writer and...

Part two of our interview with Marie Iannotti

15/09/2014 17:00
In part two,I want to discuss vegetable...

Lily of the Valley ate my Hosta

21/07/2012 11:04
07/05/2011 06:44 Newman,a character on the TV...
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