Beef stew made with German beer

When the weather is cold, a warm stew is a small but tangible moment of joy. If you manage to get a head-start on the evening, this stew cooks in 2 hours, which is doable to eat that same night. Otherwise it keeps very well when reheated the next day. The liquid of choice in …

Carrot cake with walnut oil and a buttercream icing – gluten free

Originally designed as a large traybake, this recipe cuts into small squares and is perfect for sharing. I reduced the quantities to fit a standard square cake tin which seems to be a more manageable size in these times of confinement, but hey, I'm not judging! Carrots and walnuts make fine partners when the weather …

Flan Breton

This is a flan that originates in Brittany. It's very typical of the region and is popular throughout all of France - you'll find a version in most patisseries. I ate many of these in Paris before realising what it was and how easy it is to make myself. The prunes (or pruno - pruneaux …

Benjamin’s Rum, Date and Chocolate Banana Bread

A couple of weeks back, Benjamin delighted us with his take on a classic banana bread. In typical gallic fashion, rum is added to the mix. If you are questioning my judgement here, the French seem to add it to everything. Crepes, flans... Why? I asked. He shrugs and says 'eet gives eet a bit …

Four Hour Lamb Shoulder with many herbs

Growing on up on a New Zealand sheep farm, I have more recipes for lamb than you can shake a stick at. It is quite feasible that the only person who has eaten more lamb than me is Dad, simply because he has an extra 30 years experience.  He prefers his lamb cooked more... simply... …

Soba Noodles with tofu, kimchi and cucumber and an egg

An easy weeknight recipe when you feel like something delicious but light and don't want to work too hard (or order Vietnamese on Deliveroo... again). My favourite thing about this recipe is how you can replace the elements with whatever is in your fridge - the tofu can easily be chicken or beef, the kimchi; …

Three of the best cold noodle dishes

With the weather getting warmer, cold noodles act as a satisfying bridge between the more substantial meals of winter and summer salads. I admit, they are not for everyone but I have always loved them and want to encourage everyone to get on board! Right now, we are starting to crave lighter dishes, with cold …

Pasta with chopped ham, brocolli, nutmeg and rocket

In moments of quiet contemplation, I have a reccuring dream where I've found myself in a situation, like a TV-style challenge, and someone says 'Caroline - here's a half-empty fridge, a pan and twenty minutes. Get to work'. That challenge is lockdown and it's happening now. Where we would once go out for Chinese, we're …

A recipe for fresh pasta with eggs; no pasta machine required

At its essence, making fresh pasta relies on two components: the quantity and weight of the ingredients, and the other more important element, developing a feel for the dough. Understanding the latter removes any uncertainty of what to look out for as you mix, knead and roll out pasta. Here, we will be using a …

The best pasta recipes for lockdown

It's easy to see why so many of us are turning to pasta right now. Panic buyers - you'll find no judgement here. Pasta is the food of holiday memories and what we cook to relive the flavours of our travels. It's dumping a handful in a pot as we rush in the door, knowing …

Beef Rendang

Would I say I am qualified to write a recipe for this? Probably not. There will be many recipes out there that are tastier, more authentic, use the correct ingredients – I could go on. But when push comes to shove, this ‘rendition’ of rendang is simple to make at home and I had almost …

Lemon Ricotta Cake

This dessert feels very light and is the perfect way to finish a heavy meal. It is fluffy, slightly lemony and you can eat it as is, or serve it with the blueberry sauce, which is more impressive. I bake this in a loaf tin for easy slicing and it comes out a dream if …