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The Russian opening line: I checked the street in both directions in front of an upscale coffee house called Flat Bread and Butter on Amsterdam Avenue near 140th Street. My blurb: Michael Bennett has multiple issues he is trying to deal with. There is his upcoming wedding and he needs to write his vows. Then … Continue reading The Russian, James Patterson & James O. Born
I tested this recipe using both fresh and frozen blueberries and must say I prefer the colour of the blueberry frangipane when I used frozen fruit. They are also much cheaper than fresh for some reason so that is another reason to use them. Head straight on to the Recipe For ♥ Blueberry Frangipane ♥ … Continue reading Blueberry Frangipane | Made With Frozen Fruit
On the 26th of March 2021 we had been in lockdown for exactly one year. The year has not been experienced the same way by everyone. And I am extremely aware of just how blessed I am. I have said this over and over again but want to say so again. I am blessed that … Continue reading March 2021 Showcasing In My Kitchen
My dad does not eat garlic so in order to give the rest of us an option, I made confit garlic. This was perfect to leave on the table so we could help ourselves at mealtimes. I must say it is really easy to make, and just as easy to burn. So you need to … Continue reading Confit Garlic | Perfect For Toast Or For The Table
Serpentine opening lines: My best friend, a seasoned homicide detective, is a master of discontent. Some say Milo Sturgis enjoys the cold comfort of a sour mood. My blurb: Money really can buy you anything. And for Ellie Barker that means a dedicated detective. She wants someone to look into the murder of her mother and … Continue reading Serpentine, Jonathan Kellerman
I hid the black sesame ice cream so well that I forgot about it. But on a seriously hot day I combined it with all the other ice creams in my freezer and made the most divine milkshake. Head straight on to the Recipe For ♥ Black Sesame Ice Cream ♥ For some people, and … Continue reading Black Sesame Ice Cream | Recipe For A Churner
When we pulled into the parking lot at Powell House, Dave was not sure they were open. Ours was the only car there but as we ventured up the stairs we could see lights on. We were the first table to arrive for the night, but given that it was a Monday night in a … Continue reading Powell House, Swellendam South Africa
This recipe for potatoes boulangère comes from my all time favourite chef, Tom Kitchin. He recommends that you use a stock based on the meal you are preparing. So for lamb, use lamb stock, and chicken, chicken stock. Head straight on to the Recipe For ♥ Potatoes Boulangère ♥ It is abundantly obvious that we … Continue reading Potatoes Boulangère | Bakers Potatoes
Before She Disappeared opening lines: The water feels like a cold caress against my face. I kick deeper down into the gloom, my long hair trailing behind me like a dark eel. My blurb: Frankie Elkin learnt very young that alcohol could make her disappear. She could become someone new, and not the person she … Continue reading Before She Disappeared, Lisa Gardner
I made a batch of scones that did not use up the entire bottle of buttermilk that I had used for the recipe. I decided to use the leftovers to make these buttermilk flatbreads. I used my griddle pan to get nice lines on them, but you can use a flat frying pan if you … Continue reading Buttermilk Flatbreads Cooked On A Griddle Pan
It is amazing how much difference an owner makes to an establishment. The first time we visited Schoone Oordt there was only a manager on duty. We were suitably impressed to want to book again. But there had been some failings on the night we stayed there. For the last 2 evenings of our mini … Continue reading Schoone Oordt, Swellendam South Africa
This orange olive oil cake was so good the first time I made it, I had to make it again. The syrup glaze ensures that the cake stays nice and moist, and adds extra flavour. Head straight on to the Recipe For ♥ Orange Olive Oil Cake ♥ In 2014 Dave and I ‘gate crashed’ … Continue reading Orange Olive Oil Cake With An Orange Glaze
NYPD Red 6 opening lines: It took Bobby a week to decide where to park. It had to be close to the wedding, but not too close. My blurb: Erin Easton is an influencer. One who has got used to the high life and the big money. So when she gets abducted at her wedding … Continue reading NYPD Red 6, James Patterson & Marshall Karp
After making this Pumpkin Seed Bread I hibernated my sourdough starter. I prefer to use it when I have time to dedicate to making artisan bread. Head straight on to the Recipe For ♥ Pumpkin Seed Bread ♥ We often describe people we know as friends. Some might be colleagues, and others acquaintances. And in … Continue reading Pumpkin Seed Bread | Sourdough Breakfast Loaf
Whole avocados are so expensive, whether in season or not. It makes buying them prohibitive. But thankfully I can get avocado pulp for a reasonable price and this is what I have used to make my avocado hollandaise. Head straight on to the Recipe For ♥ Avocado Hollandaise ♥ I do not have the patience … Continue reading Avocado Hollandaise For Steamed Asparagus
I went a little bit overboard with my shopping and bought too many vegetables. Not wanting anything to go to waste I made this courgette soup. Marrows are one of Dave's favourite ingredients so this was a winning meal. Head straight on to the Recipe For ♥ Courgette Soup ♥ I am always sceptical when … Continue reading Courgette Soup | Zucchini | Baby Marrows
The Last Days of John Lennon opening lines: He sits in the airplane, inside a cloud of cigarette smoke. He opens his wallet and looks at the permit for his handgun. My blurb: Mark David Chapman will be a name a generation of people will never forget. He changed the face of history, and took … Continue reading The Last Days of John Lennon
In South Africa, a firm family favourite is the peppermint crisp tart. A peppermint crisp is an iconic chocolate and while we were at school we used them as straws for drinking milk. As there is no sugar free version of this chocolate, I decided to make a peppermint caramel tart. It has the same … Continue reading Peppermint Caramel Tart | A Take On The Classic
Completing the family of solution-based cookbooks. Jamie Oliver is back with new achievable, exciting and tasty recipes in 7 Ways. These recipes really are easy ideas for every day of the week. Jamie's done his homework and looked at the top ingredients people in the UK buy week in, week out. We're talking about those … Continue reading 7 Ways | Easy Ideas For Every Day Of The Week
After 20 years of living together, and 28 years of knowing each other, I learnt something new about Dave. He is not a fan of green beans. I like them blanched in boiling water, slathered with butter and salted. When I made the discovery I had just purchased a large bag of them. So I … Continue reading Green Bean Soup Made With Chicken Stock