I adapted this recipe for honey chocolate cake from Happy Retiree's Kitchen. I have made it a few times and really love how it turned out. Head straight on to the Recipe For 
Honey Chocolate Cake | Springform Tin Baking
Tag: lavender and lime
Judas Horse, Lynda La Plante
Judas Horse opening line: The Cleveland Nature Reserve was a cluster of lakes situated between Cirencester to the north and Swindon to the south. My blurb: Detective Jack Warr is good at his job. But he doesn't suffer fools gladly. Even if they are his superiors. Jack is not interested in the politics and ego's … Continue reading Judas Horse, Lynda La Plante
Pomegranate Frangipane | Perfect Dessert
I was not quite sure what to do with my left over pomegranate jam but decided to bake with it. And then I was inspired to make a pomegranate frangipane. You can use any ready made jam you have at home. Just be sure that it is a high quality jam with a strong taste. … Continue reading Pomegranate Frangipane | Perfect Dessert
Banana Waffles | Adapted From Let’s Cook
Bananas are so good for you, and even better when you turn them into banana waffles. These can be made in advance and the batter will keep for a few days in the fridge. Head straight on to the Recipe For
Basic Shortcrust Pastry | Pork Lard Pastry
Getting the basics right means success when you move on to more complicated recipes. And having a basic shortcrust pastry recipe in your repertoire will serve you well for all sorts of savoury tarts and pies. Head straight on to the Recipe For
Suspects, Lesley Pearse | Book Review
Suspects opening line: 'What on earth has Harry got now?' Maureen Willis asked her husband Rob, pointing to their Border Terrier, which appeared to have found something interesting a little way ahead of them under a bush. My blurb: There is something appealing about living in a cul-de-sac. The neighbours all know each other, and … Continue reading Suspects, Lesley Pearse | Book Review
Sous Vide Limoncello | Lemon Liqueur
This sous vide limoncello is packed full of lemon flavour. You could dial it down if you wanted to. But I like the tartness of the lemons and this recipe is not overly sweet which also suits my palate. Head straight on to the Recipe For
Chicken Rice Paper Rolls | Asian Wrappers
It took a lot of practice but I finally for the hang of rolling these chicken rice paper rolls. I like mine thick, but you can reduce the filling and have slimmer rolls if you prefer. Head straight on to the Recipe For
Plum Crostata | Seasonal Stone Fruit Recipe
Using seasonal stone fruit, I made this plum crostata. I have also made it successfully with figs so it shows just how versatile a dessert this can be. Head straight on to the Recipe For
Target Acquired, Don Bently | A Tom Clancy Novel
Target Acquired opening line: "Why are we here again?" Master Sergeant Cary Marks said, shifting his weight for what seemed like the hundredth time. My blurb: Jack Ryan Jr is about to find himself in the worst situation possible. A simple job of overwatch for a CIA meet in Israel turns into his worst nightmare. … Continue reading Target Acquired, Don Bently | A Tom Clancy Novel
Crostata Pastry | Free Form Pastry
When making a free form tart, the pastry is key. It needs to hold up and be crisp. This crostata pastry fits the bill and I have tried it with both figs and plums. Head straight on to the Recipe For
Soft Cheese | Curd Cheese Made With Citric Acid
I tried a new method of separating the curds and whey to make this soft cheese. The recipe calls for citric acid and I have a confession to make. The first time I tried it nothing happened. And then I looked at the container I had taken out of the drawer and it was the … Continue reading Soft Cheese | Curd Cheese Made With Citric Acid
The Final Twist, Jeffery Deaver
The Final Twist opening lines: Colter Shaw draws his gun. He starts silently down the stairs, descending into the old building's massive, pungent basement, redolent of mold and heating oil. My blurb: The Shaw children have been raised with a unique set of skills. This makes Colter really good at his job. But when he … Continue reading The Final Twist, Jeffery Deaver
Shakshuka Eggs | Great Make Ahead Recipe
I have been making one version or another of shakshuka eggs for some time. We used to make this North African dish for Dave's mum when we made breakfast for her. My folks ask for it when they stay at us, and the last time we went away this was our breakfast. I premade the … Continue reading Shakshuka Eggs | Great Make Ahead Recipe
Nuoc Cham | Vietnamese Dipping Sauce
Nuoc Cham is a Vietnamese sauce and the colour of the chillies you use determines whether is is green or red. Or in my case, orange. This is used as a dipping sauce, salad dressing or seafood marinade. You can use it to moisten rice or vegetables. Whatever you do, make extra as it keeps … Continue reading Nuoc Cham | Vietnamese Dipping Sauce
Chicken Spring Rolls | Deep Fry Or Air Fry
At the same time as making vegetable spring rolls, I made these chicken spring rolls. It made the best use of the oil while it was in the wok. And as we were eating dinner with the kids, we needed a decent batch of spring rolls for the 5 of us. Head straight on to … Continue reading Chicken Spring Rolls | Deep Fry Or Air Fry
Walk In My Combat Boots, James Patterson
Walk In My Combat Boots opening lines: "We're not going to make it." This from Jackson, the squad leader of my platoon. He's referring to the forty-plus Humvees on the base in Kuwait, which in 2004 is nothing but a big mess of tents in the middle of the desert. My blurb: This collection of … Continue reading Walk In My Combat Boots, James Patterson
Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream | Churner Recipe
I combined two recipes to make this chocolate fudge ice cream. So it goes without saying that it will take a little bit of effort. But it is so worth it as this ice cream is one of the best I have ever made. Head straight on to the Recipe For
Let’s Cook, Siba Mtongana | Book Review
Let's Cook by Siba Mtongana is her latest recipe book. It offers delicious yet nutritious easy meals and treats for kids and teens (and the whole family) according to the by-line. For kids, by kids! with a little help from Ms Sibalicious! Let’s Cook is jam-packed with nutritious and delicious, easy to-do meals and snacks … Continue reading Let’s Cook, Siba Mtongana | Book Review
Lemon Meringues | A Perfect Recipe
Personally I consider myself a meringue queen. This is by far my go to sweet treat to make. And I always have lots of egg whites in my freezer. I decided to take lemons I had dried and blitz them with sugar to create these lemon meringues. Head straight on to the Recipe For