The Chef Wore Chanel's Christmas In Photos

Christmas Cranberry Sauce

Just this morning I whipped up a large quantity of cranberry sauce - perfect for anybody's Christmas dinner.

The recipe and ingredients list is unbelievably simple, that literally anybody could do it. It's a throw it all together and watch it develop kind of recipe.

Ingredients:
1. 250g cranberries.
2. Zest of small orange.
3. 175ml water.
4. 210g sugar.

Recipe:
1. Pop them all in a large saucepan and bring to the boil. Remember to constantly stir!

2. Simmer for aorund 15 minutes.
3. Remove it from the heat and stir really really well. The cranberry sauce willl gradually thicken as it begins to cool.
4. Serve immediately (if you created it on Christmas day. If not, refrigerate.)

Now, how simple was that? Has anybody else come across any blinding sauce recipes that they have created for Christmas? Let me know!

Happy Christmas.

The Chef Wore Chanel.

NYE Celebrations

Now I'm sure everybody has their NYE plans sorted and organised. Is that a no I heard? Well, get on it because trust me, it's all booking up fast.

I'm quite the planner, my friends 'love' me for it and my family hate it. I freak if we leave 10 minutes late and am completely mortified when we arrive at our destination later than the reservation time. So in terms of booking for NYE, I am on the money.

This year we are planning for a far quieter one. I don't know about everybody else but I always kind of feel like NYE is overrated? You get overly excited, you doll yourself up, new hair-cut, new hair-colour, mani, pedi, posh dinner, mindnight strikes and then it's all over.

But nonetheless it is nice to get a little dressed up and have a little celebration.

So this year we are heading to one of Bath's most loved restaurants - Raphael's. You may have heard me mention it before and that's just because I love it.

Being an annoying veggie, the staff are always there helping with optional main menu's because of my 'allergy' (major disliking) to mushrooms.

I hope everybody else has their NYE plans sorted and if not, get on with it people 'cause it's fast approaching!

Photos: Raphael

Thank you, Grandma

Being from an Italian background there is one thing which I just love - the food.

The pasta.

The pizza.

The stuffed bellies.

There is just no end to all of the delicious Italian grub that my Grandma is able to whip up. No need for a recipe or ingredients list, she will crack out a to-die-for feast in a matter of seconds and I can tell you it will taste oh-so-good.

You know the thing with Grannies, whenever they see you they just have to give you something.

It's either money (thank you very much!), it's clothes or it's ... food.

You know it dont you? I am sure you all experience it when you pop back to Grannie's and Grandad's. So just yesterday I was delighted when I met up with my Italian Grannie and she presented me with nothing less than my favourite treat. Ever. Most kids grow up on lollipops and crisps - but I grew up on artichokes. Yes, you read right.

My Grandma stuffs them to your hearts content - think chives, eggs, spring onions and all kinds of herbs. Can you remember when Carrie & Miranda were seen munching on them during Sex & The City? The first movie. You remember dont you? If not, get your ass to HMV and catch up, lady. 

I have eaten two of these in two days. F-e-e-l-i-n-g s-t-u-f-f-e-d. 

Goodnight, God Bless

First things first: CYA LATER, CHER!

Just had to get that out of my system.

Now I know chefs, nutritionists and all food-knobs hark on and on about 'eating the right things - in quantity', but I am NOT one of those knobs.

Now I know that Saturday nights are all about Christmas parties, The X Factor and take-aways.

Did I just say that? Hell yes I did.

Honestly,who has the time to whip up a three-course delight every single night? I know I certainly don't - which means I'm sure neither do you.

So which take-aways have you visited tonight? Indian? Chinese? Pizza? Thai?

Lap it up people because it's just a weekend thing baby. There's nothing like a take-away and your favourite singing show on a Saturday night (I am now mourning the loss of The X Factor. Sob)

Goodbye and god bless, X factor. Thank you for being a fine friend over the last few months.

'Tis the Season for Cranberries

I don't know about everybody else but the Christmas season strikes and I just devour anything winter-related that I can find on the supermarket shelves.

These include nuts ... yes I know they are available all year - but when it's Santa's season they just taste so much better dont they? There is nothing quite like cracking out your nut cracker (sorry, pun intended) and sitting across the table with a glass of bubbly and your nuts (pun not intended).

My favourite nuts just have to be walnuts - I guess it's the whole effort of getting them out of the shell that seems so special to me. Oh and not forgetting warm chestnuts. Now that is just so festive isn't it?

On other christmas-related treats, how about the berries which are perfect for this time of year. Yes, I'm talking about cracnberries in particular. I do love a little bit of cranberry puree in the bottom of my prosecco. Or how about trying a cranberry prosecco cocktail? Now that sounds like my kind of cocktail. I'm talking, blend together some fresh cranberries, and mix it up with your prosecco - could there really be anything easier? You can also add a little orange peel and sugar if you feel necessary. I'm thinking - the quicker it gets to me - the better.

Oh and lets not forget about winter's famous citrus fruits? Satsumas are my all time favourite and this time of the year they just come into their element. I don't know quite what it is about oranges - I think they remind me of Christmas morning when they were at the bottom of my stocking.

(Yes, I have already bought the TV Times for Christmas)

Anything else which gets you in the festive mood?

Nighty night. I'm off for a cranberry prosecco cocktail.

The Chef Wore Chanel in The Clifton Times

The Chef Wore Chanel is tonight creating a fabulous and fun contribution for The Clifton Times' 2011 January edition.

(Photo from The Clifton Times)

Yes that's right - this chef is hitting the magazine pages!

It is going to be food advice and recipe's galore - just for you in the South West - you lucky folk.

I am super excited and am currently in the kitchen whipping up fun and new recipes just for those special pages.

See you on the glossy pages on January 15th.
Nighty night, I'm off to brain-storm and recipe-make.

The Weather Outside is Frightful but the Market is so Delightful

Late last night I put on my 100 woolen layers, fabulous boots and coat to hit Bath's famous Christmas market.

Christmas was well and truly in the air at the market. Every little goodie that you could imagine. The pancakes were honestly delectable and yes I did have one. 

Every year the market really gets me in the festive mood and that's exactly what it did for me this year.

Happy Christmas!

Warm Your Cockles

Has England ever been this cold?

I think the answer to that is: NO.

It's just a killer at the moment - if you walk far your chest hurts from the ice cold wind, your legs are rubbing against your jeans and are bright red when you take them off and your nose feels like it's falling off.

So here I am to warm you up and keep you toasty - just for tonight.

What's better on a cold evening that a red hot chilli? Nothing I hear you say - I agree I respond.



It hits the spot every time. Here's a few of my little Chilli tips:

1. Add a dash of tobasco for added heat.

2. Red peppers sliced thinly add extra taste.

3. If you don't want them quite so hot roast your chillis first.

4. As the meat is cooking, add a dash of balsamic to glaze.

I can guarantee you that it will warm you up instantly - then snuggle down in front of a fire (if you have one) if not - the radiator and watch The Apprentice - come on, all good people do.

And just before bed time put on your kettle and try this out:

I only recently discovered Tetley's green tea. I have pretty much tried them all and this is definitely one of my favourites. In terms of colour it comes out a little darker than most and in terms of taste, a little stronger. So adjust brewing times accordingly.

Nighty night folk. Keep warm - if you can. 

Christmas Prep Continues ... Part 34

So I don't know if you know but quite a big day is coming up - and it's a little day us folk like to call Christmas Day.

Which means: lots and lots of prep. There's the christmas party, the shopping for gifts, the buying of the tree, the dying of the hair for Christmas, the buying of stocking fillers, the buying of the turkey..........

It literally goes on forever doesn't it? I don't know about you but I definitely think that the prep is the best part about the big day. Testing your food to make sure you have the best possible recipe and the age-old question of what the hell you are going to wear to the Christmas party.

Well tonight that is the exact dilemma I am having. I am sat here literally clueless:

Oh the stress, oh the stress. Agggh.

Deep. Breath.

So I have come away from my ridiculous closet and have concluded one thing: I have nothing to wear. I am dying here. So tomorrow I am heading to get my nails done and I absolutely will get this problem solved before. I will not come away empty handed. Please let me find something fabulous.

On another Christmas prep note, tonight I have been trying out my spuds for the 25th. I have tried all kinds of recipes - different boiling times, different oils - you name it I have tried it. But I think I have now perfected the perfect roaster. What do you think?

All together now....Jingle bells, jingle bells.

Night night, and I hope the snow isn't causing too much of a problem - wherever you are.

It's Well and Truly Christmas Time

Santa Clause is coming to town...

Rudolph the red nosed reindeer...

You better watch out, you better not cry...

Sorry but I am just so in the mood. I have spent late afternoon today finishing off my delicious Christmas cakes. They look completely amazing - if I do say so myself.

Hell yes, I did make about 20 more - but you get the picture.

Absolutely everything is edible and my family just cannot wait to tuck in on the big day.

Night night all and dare I say it?!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

National Curry Week

So this week is national curry week. Any excuse for a good old curry right?

So in order to end the week in true Indian fashion the family are delving into a currylicious dinner. Straight from our local Indian.

We have ordered the following:

Vegetable Madras
Pilau Rice (and lots of it)
Chicken Sag
Sag Bhaji
Popadoms (til they're coming out our ears)

Doesn't it just look delicious? Well the opinions are rather split in our house - a few lovers and a few absolute haters. For me, it's the hotter the better. I literally love the fire-feeling. What's a curry without the heat? To all you chicken korma eaters - oh shame on you! Cream is for desserts - not Indian.

So enjoy the X Factor (I know you're all watching it) and the end of national curry week.

Night night and keep warm folk.

Seduced by Julie and Julia

'Julia Child began learning to cook when she was thirty-seven years
old.  She started because she wanted to feed her husband Paul.  She
started because though she’d fallen in love with great food late, when
she did she’d fallen hard.  She started because she was in Paris.  She
started because she didn’t know what else to do.'

(Taken from Official Julie/Julia Blog)   

Just the other night the movie Julie and Julia was on Sky. Without even thinking about it I decided to record it to watch at another time. I kept putting it off but yesterday when the temperature seemed to hit -12 I made a cup of tea  and snuggled down to watch it.

At first I just thought it would be a well-acted (It did star Meryl) and slightly funny take on a true story. Well by the end, I was completely smitten - with the idea, with the blog, with the cooking and with the whole project in general.

Julie, a 30 year old woman sets herself a project to make every one of Child's recipes from her incredibly famous book 'Mastering the Art of French Cooking.'

The story is truly inspirational and a little sad at times. Documenting all of her trimuphs and lows in a blog: The Julie/Julia project, millions upon millions of people went on daily to see how she was getting on.

The film ended and I just felt inspired. Now, Julie and Julia never actually met (can't help but feel disatisfied at that) but Julie felt like she knew her.

Well of course I was seduced by the film and bought the book. It was dispatched this morning and I cannot wait to see all of the wonderful recipes.

I will test them out and let you know how I get on. In the mean time, watch the film. It's not a masterpiece but you do feel good at the end.

Food on the Face

Now I don't know if you have realised, but I'm quite partial to food. Yes, yes I know, no great shocker there. And beauty products? Well they're one of my loves too.

So when I was recently chatting to a friend, she dropped something in to my mind which I just could not ignore:

Food on the face. Alright, that's not the actual name, but is what I now refer to it as. You know what I mean: beauty products containing food products. You have all heard of the age-old cucumber on the eyes approach or tea-bags to reduce puffiness. Now I have tried the cucumber trick. Soothing and cooling, yes. But beneficial? Well that is doubtful.

So my friend mentioned that it was worth having a look at products from Lush.

Yes, you know the store which literally makes every high-street smell like soap. Whenever I'm in there the only thing I can every think about is: 'how on earth do people work with this smell?' Well thankfully they do, and they also provide us with food-based products for every skin, hair and body need too.

So pop up the heating, have a bath, create my perfect hot chololate from bonfire night and have a go with some of my favourites:

Cupcake Fresh Face Mask:

No no no, not for eating. But cupcake in a jar? Now that sounds good. This one is perfect for a deep, deep cleanse to really clear out those pores and remove all of those impurities.

The Sacred Truth:

This energising mask is perfect for tired, wintered skin. And lets be honst who doesn't have that right now? This one contains ginseng and green tea. Wonderfully weird!

Trichomania Shampoo:



This solid shampoo is great on dry hair. Known to condition 'parched hair' it is the remedy for split ends and heat-treated locks.

Now, I did promise you glamorous food - and I keep m promises!

Till tomorrow. 

All photos from Lush

Winter Hair = Disaster

When it comes to Winter, you park up your little car in the nearest spot to your work party and venture to find your destination. What does this mean? It means chapped lips by January, dry skin, but worst of all? Frizzy and dry hair!

Ultimate disaster, dont you agree? You know it just sucks. Due to my half Italian background I have been graced with the gene of curly/dry hair. Constantly trying to tame it is literally an ongoing battle I have with myself everyday.

I have tried every product out there. You name it, I have it. My cute little bedroom is stocked full with products after products for dry/damaged hair, heat-treated hair (yes, my straighteners are literally my best friend).

So recently I was scouring around on the internet and came across Moroccanoil. What's this I hear you say? Have you been living in a hole? I reply.

Marocconoil is the latest on-trend treatment for all your hair needs.

Their original oil treatment as shown above should be used on wet, washed hair - before blow drying. You will literally be stunned at the results. Say hello to smooth, straight, soft hair. Trust me, I am not lying to you - would I dare?

Next up and worth your attention is their intense hydrating treatment mask - this little beauty should be used around once a week/fortnight in order to restore your dried-up locks.

Is there really anything better than having gorgeous soft locks, ala Blake Lively?

(*Green with envy*)

So get yourself along to a stockist or purchase a few little bottles on the internet. I will warn you, it does not come cheap.

So wack those products in your hair and whip up your little surprises for christmas such as my Tomato Ketchup which is coming soon. All homemade with extra Christmas spices for added zazz.

Till next time. 

(Moroccanoil photos from Moroccanoil)



Crispy and Delicious

I remember quite a while ago popping along to Jamie's Italian in Bath and enjoying a beautiful Pasta Arrabiata. It was spicy, with deep tomato flavours and a crunchy topping.

Wearing my new grey embellished lace overlay dress from Topshop I couldn't help but think:

(Photo from Topshop)

What on earth was this crunchy topping?


Now I have always prided myself on being able to detect flavours. 'Yes, definitely oregano', 'no doubt there's cinnamon in there.'

But I was quite literally, stumped.

Until today, I was doing my usual scour of the BBC Good Food website and came across their Pesto and Tomato Pasta with Crispy Crumbs.

Finally! My questions answered. It turns out it is a little mix of crumbs, oil, garlic, pine nuts and parmesan.

Delicious. And how cute is that dress?

Night night.

Smile :-) It's Summer on Your Lips

So I know the sun has gone (hear 'hmphs' all around, yes I know, I know) and it is damn cold out there today. Did winter just suddenly slap us in the face this week? I think so.

But today whilst doing a spot of shopping I came across something rather delicious which I just had to get my card out for.

Now usually I'm a red/bright pink kinda lipstick/lipgloss wearer. Never entirely sure whether the more natural tones suit me so I tend to go for the 'HELLO' colours.

But today I bought a little piece of sunshine, to wear on my lips during these cold days.

(Photo from YSl)

YSl's Golden Gloss shimmering lip gloss is a sunny day in a tube. It contains watermelon in order for the glitter to last longer and I'm told that the glitter really does last.

I'm gonna wack it on when I head out tonight. My friends will have a shock at that my usually-red lips are no more, but hey, it's only natural to spice it up every once in a while right?

So when you're heading to Raphael's tonight for their grilled lamb cutlets infused with Moroccan Chermoula paste served with sauteed courgettes, green beans and carrots with tomato Provencal sauce, pop this baby on and shine away.

(Photos from Raphael)

Mimi Noor

You know the case: you are desperate for those 'perfect' jeans but cannot quite find them. You have trooled every single shop on your local high street and have come home empty handed.

'Perhaps nothing will fit me' you think or;

'Jeans just aren't for me,' perhaps.

Well if you live in the South-West, have a decent car or perhaps a rail-card then fear no more. Mimi Noor, which opened recently on Bath's most famous shopping street: Milsom Street, is here to solve your every jean-need. And last night I went and discovered just that.

Mimi Noor stocks all of those exclusive denim brands which literally fit like perfection: J Brand (I want the houlihan!) and Current/Elliot are just a couple which I know will have you reaching for your card and your keys already.

So last night we all met on Milsom Street for Mimi's launch party. The prosecco was flowing and the canapes were a delight, whilst we twisted and squeezed between all of the people writing down their 'wish-lists' for their husbands at Christmas.

I reached for my handbag to snap a photo of the canapes and general atmosphere to discover I had left my camera on my dressing table. Typical! But take my word for it.

So get your little ass along to Mimi Noor, on Milsom Street Bath. Aswell as all of that fabulous denim you can also find some fab casual wear - to go perfectly with those new jeans. Including oh-so-fabulous shirts and cashmere cardis.

I'll see you there!

For this Weekend, I Suggest...

For those of you in the Bath area, you will know that it is often quite difficult to choose which restaurant to head to. Fancying a fancy affair? Or a quick run-in, run-out dinner? Then let me show you...

Fancy Affair:

(Photo from: Royal Crescent Hotel)

For those of you who want a lavish and exciting night then head to the Royal Crescent restaurant. It truly is a wonderful expereince. The waiters are not only there to deliver your food - they have a head full of information regarding all courses and are more than willing to recommend from the incredible wine list. When we last visited, one of my friends enjoyed the: Pan Fried Stone Bass, Sauté Langoustine, Confit Frog legs,
Warm Saffron Jelly - which they said was to-die for.

Intimate Affair:

(Photo from: Casanis)

Have you finally convinced your partner to take you out for a fancy dinner? Well first of all, bravo and secondly, pick up your phone and call Casanis. This Bath based French bistro is only small but perfectly delightful. You will have to reserve as it is very popular amongst the Bath locals. Trust me, you will not regret booking this one. 
Quick but Good:

(Photo from: Bath Restaurants)

Hudson's Bar and Grill is New York Chic in Bath. They are known for their 'best steaks in town' and if you ask my family, they couldn't agree more. Now, I'm not saying the steak is cheap - but worth pulling out the purse for. I would also recommend booking up for this one.

So, have you decided what you fancy? They are all fabulous, why else would I recommend them? On another note, for the evening why dont you try Chanel's Smoky Eyes Simplified:

(Photo from Chanel)

Yes that's right, it literally contains everything you need to create that perfect 'smoky eye' which never actually turns out the way you intended. Yes, I know you know!

Enjoy!