Roast Dinner Mix-Up

Roast dinners, yum, yum, yum. They're one of the best things to warm you up when the winter sets in, right?

My family are HUGE fans of the succulent, medium-well Beef whilst I opt for a Veggie alternative.

But as for the veg, when it comes to me: the more the better, right? Being a Veggie, I literally grew up on vegetables: boiled, roasted, grilled - you name it, my Mum did it.

So for tonight, I decided to mix the veg up a little.

Tonight, it's roasted turnips, shallots and carrots on the menu. Drizzled with the finiest extra virgin olive oil and seasoned - of course.

So the garlic and herb chicken is in, the potatoes are boiling nicely and Desperate Housewives is set to record on Sky+. Good night!

Take-Away Saturday

When it comes to Saturday nights, I get a little (perhaps that is a lie - a lot) lazy. Cooking is my absolute passion (as many of you can tell) but on a cold, wet, dreary Saturday evening - cooking is not at the top of my list.

I would far rather snuggle down in my PJ's, beloved UGG slippers and relax away the weekend.

(House of Fraser, £95)

So tonight, with shame I admit that it is a take-away night. I know, I know - but sometimes, it just does the heart good.

So the fight is on in my household over which take-away comes up top.

My favourite = Indian

Family Favourite = Not Indian

Dilemma. Wish me luck, I'm off to polish off my boxing gloves.

It's Raining - It's Pouring

I don't know about the weather where you are - but where I am living - is has literally been raining all-day-long.

Grr, it always puts me in a bad mood when it rains. Going out shopping just isn't the same when you are running for your hair's life to reach shelter, umreallas caught in your eye, wet jeans, stained shoes, unhappy shopper.

But, alas, I have saved your raining dilemma and have come up with a FAB-u-lous answer:

This Hunter umbrella is so cute I sometimes almost want it to rain (okay, not quite.)

The handle contains tiny little Hunter boots just floating around in the Hunter glitz. It's so cute - you really have to see it to believe it.

As for the shape of the brolly, it's one of those royal family umbrella's which can only be described as a 'bubble.' I know, it may feel strange at the start but when you get into town and your hair still looks fabulous? The only person laughing - will be you.

Night in with Gordon and Barry

Tonight, it's like the Antartic outside and like the tropics inside. Absolutely delightful.

Dinner is on and I have a spot of time before I sit down with the family to write my blog and search through my latest purchase.

Gordon, Gordon, Gordon. His latest book, 'Christmas with Gordon' is any cooks' must-have for the festive season. It truly is delightful. My family are literally drooling over the 'Roast Turkey with Lemon, Parsley and Garlic.'

Christmas: Please hurry up and arrive soon!

As for my nails, I am just whipping on Barry M's 273 - a beautiful raspberry colour.

Enjoy the cold - and your dinner!

Product of the Week - Aveda

Don't you just hate it. You spend AGES getting your hair looking utterly perfect. It's shampooed, conditioned, blow-dryed, straightened and perhaps curled (if your hands haven't given up by this point).

You hit the streets and - bam - it's all-a-fluff.

Well say goodbye to this awful situation and hello to my new favourite product:

Aveda's Brilliant, Spray-On-Shine is literally my 'didn't know what I did before' hair product.

Pop it on to your hands, and sweep through your hair for added shine post-straightening. Or, if you have a few stray, annoying strands it will keep them down.

Go and grab a bottle - it will last an age - and will save your hair (and you) from winter-weather hair embarrassment!

Things to Check Out...

First I'd just like to say a little sorry for my lack of post yesterday. Annoyingly my internet connection was down. It was for all of us, a very boring and 'don't know what to do with ourselves night.'

Right, now that's over I thought I would drop in a few little things that are worth checking out this Tuesday night:

The always-so-fabulous Grazia magazine is perfect for your fashion-fix but some of you may not read to the back to know that every week they feature a star recipe. This week is the delighful 'Chilli Spiked Crab and Lime Pasta with Creme Fraiche.' Sound good to you? Add a pinch of mint to the top for added zazz.

If you're quick, check out Jamie's 30 Minute Meals right now on Channel 4+1. To be perfectly honest it is difficult to complete these three-course meals in 30 minutes but it's super fun to watch and having a stab at.

Meanwhile, for your night in, run along to M&S for a cheaters-way to the perfect patisserie:

Petite Patisserie

Yes, I know, they're not homemade but some things just don't need to be to taste irresistably good, right?

Photo from: marksandspencer.com

You Smell Lovely!

When it comes to perfume, I am, it has to be said, pretty fussy!

I have always been a fan of deeper, heavier scents which last all day long. I can't be doing with these light, floral smells which are gone before you leave the house. Some of my favourites include:

To me, these two scents are just perfect. But last week when I was strolling through Harvey Nichols I discovered a new scent which I had to purchase - immediately:

The latest scent from Lanvin, named Marry Me is an absolute delight. It is now one of my favourite perfumes and sits pride of place on my dressing table.

I wouldn't expect to get it from your boyfriend this Christmas as you may - shall we say - think he is proposing!

Try it, you will adore it. 

Boot Love-Triangle

BREAKING NEWS: I have found the perfect boot.

MAJOR PROBLEM: My sister came home with them today. Dilemma.

So it seems that I am in a slightly sticky situation where my boot-search is concerned. But one thing is for sure: I have to have them.

The Hudson Starley is my new must-have. But they belong to my sister - alas - there is a boot triangle situation.

So it seems it is: Me V. My Sister in the fight for my new love.

Photo from: http://www.office.co.uk/

Boot Desperation

Waking up at 6am means that I am leaving the house at 7am - pretty much every morning. It is deadly cold outside at that time, with my thermometer in my car reading around -2 on one day last week.

Now, that's pretty chilly in my book.

So today I looked and I searched and I prayed that I would find the 'perfect boot' whilst I was walking around Bath.

My tootsies are getting pretty cold at 7am, and yet there are still no 2010 boots in my wardrobe.

Usually I am resisting pair after pair. But this year - there are none. What is going on? My card is screaming to be used and yet it is staying firmly in my purse.

Absolute disaster as far as I am concerned.

Now when it comes to boots, I guess you can say that I am pretty fussy. I have never been a huge fan of silver buckles on boots (don't ask me why) and I am pretty certain I want them to black or dark brown.

But every single black boot which I have come across comes with - you guessed it - a silver buckle (inner scream). So what is to be done? Keep searching I guess. If anybody has any suggestions, you know what to do.

Onwards and upwards!

A Little Post-Dinner Treat

Ever get that post-dinner, full-up but still want something sweet-feeling? Well, I know I do and I'm sure you do too.

Fruit salad? No thank you, boring.
Chocolate pudding? Slightly too filling.
Chocolate Mousse? HELLO!

So tonight, for our post-dinner treat I have a sneaky little chocolate mousse up my sleeve (rather, in the fridge)

It literally took me ten minutes and is now residing sweetly in my fridge.

Ingredients (for 6):
1. 200g milk chocolate drops.
2. 6 large organic eggs.

Recipe:
1. Grab a pan and put it on low heat.
2. Pop in a small drop of water.
3. Melt away your chocolate on a very, very low heat.

4. Separate those eggs.
5. Whisk up the yolks and pour the melted chocolate into the yolks.

6. Whip up the egg white's until nice and firm.

7. Fold into the chocolate.
8. Place in small glasses and allow to cool.
9. Enjoy.

Pickles, Pickles, Pickles

So my pickle collection for Christmas is growing quite rapidly.

They're starting to fill my cupboards and I seem to have a lingering smell of vinegar in my house nowadays. But it will all be worth it when Christmas eve arrives and I crack open my jars.

Dont they look fabulous? So far I have:

1. Piccalilli
2. Super Spicy Relish
3. Pickled Onions with Peppercorns
4. Pickled Eggs
5. Wholegrain Mustard
6. Tomato Chutney with Raisins

Yum, yum, yum. In my household, we are a fan of pickles, can you tell?

But in terms of Chritmas prep, I am not there yet. The Chritmas cake is still to come and other small nibbles which need the time until Christmas to be ready.

Do you have any other ideas? As always, let me know!

Lanvin for H&M? That's My Kind of Collaboration!

Lanvin = Inspirational.

H&M = Highstreet-Fabulous.

Combined = Excitement Beyond Normal Realms.

When I heard that Lanvin's artistic director and menswear designer were teaming up with H&M to create a new range - available in November - I sent out a little squeal.

Yes, that's right a squeal. Don't say you didn't make some kind of strange sound when you heard the news.

But back in September when I heard the news it all sounded very far away. 2 months in the fashion industry = a lifetime.

But, alas, the time is almost here and I am sharing with you a sneaky and sumptuous first viewing of the new range, available late November.

Now hold onto your socks:

(Photo from: http://www.harpersbazaar.com/)

I know right? I am already in love with the far-right ruffled dress with waist-clincher. H&M, set-up a queue-line, I'm on my way.

Super Spicy Relish

When it comes to heat ... I like it hot. I'm a big fan of curry and in terms of heat: 'the hotter the better.'

Now my family do not always agree with me on this one which = more for me.

Tonight I am whipping up a super spicy relish which I can enjoy now and for Christmas when my close friends drop round for Boxing day celebrations.

Ingredients:
1. 900g of skinned tomatoes.
2. 400g of onions (preferably red) chopped.
3. 4 red peppers, chopped.
4. 4 fresh chillies, seeded (or leave some if you want the spice) and chopped a lot.
5. 200g sugar.
6. 220ml of red wine vinegar.
7. 35ml mustard seeds.
8. 8ml celery salt.
9. 15ml paprika.
10. 5ml of cumin.
11.. 1 tablespoon of salt.

Recipe:
1. To begin, put the chopped tomatoes, onions, peppers and finely cut chillies in a pan. Pop on the hob and cook for around 15 minutes with a lid on. Keep the heat low and stir a few times.

2. Pop in the sugar and vinegar and bring up to the boil. Stir again occasionally. Add the mustard seeds, celery salt, paprika, cumin and all the salt. Stir it up well.
3. Wack up that heat and continue to cook for around 40 minutes, or until most of it has evaporated. Keep stirring. Do not let it stick.
4. Spoon it into your pre-sterilized jars, cover it up and seal. Leave in a cool area for 16 days.
5. Enjoy!

Off The Land...

I don't know about you, but nothing is quite as yummy, or as exciting as when you eat something straight out of the ground in your garden. Now the season is coming to an end, my tomato plants are withering and everything looks overly plucked.

But there's one thing in the garden that produces and produces, all year round.

My beautiful Buff Orpington chickens are an absolute joy. I could look at them all year round, playing around amongst the grass and in the bushes.

And when I put on my wellies late at night and treck down to the pen, there is nothing quite as exciting as finding a little present from my beloved friends.

I have never, ever bought anything other than Organic eggs from the supermarket (when I need more than my chicks can produce) but they never taste quite as good as the ones from the bottom of my garden. Dont you agree? Having recently bought ducks also, I am super excited to create some recipes which involve my new duck eggs.

So if you don't facy a puppy or kitten for Christmas, go for a couple of hens. Having incubated the chicks myself, raising them from small makes it even more exciting.

Trust me.

Caught My Eye...

Just tonight I was whipping through my local store in search of ingredients for upcoming Christmas prep.

Having made two pickles this week (recipes coming soon) I wanted to grab a few things for my soon to be created Christmas pudding.

Just when I was walking through the magazine aisle (I just cannot help myself) I saw, out of the corner of my beedy eye, a little something which means Chrisrmas is ... COMING!

'Good Housekeeping Christmas Cookbook' is perfect sofa + wine reading on a quiet Saturday night (with X factor as your date).

The recipes are rather delectable and best of all? Many contain fabulous festive flairs.

Scrummy, scrummy, scrummy. Leading up to Santa's big day I will be creating a perfect Turkey recipe, but in the meantime, check out page 42.

Enjoy the X Factor!

Late Night Secret...

Late last night I drove - along with friends - to Bath's newest and secret little hidden treasure.

Bath's clothes show - founded this year - was a fun evening to take all your girlfriends along to. All locals bring along their no longer-loved items with the hope of selling them onto others who can adore it.

There were some quality finds with one friend picking up a gorgeous white vintage waistcoat at a cracking amount.

I'm sure these shows will be popping up all over the UK, have you seen one in your area yet? If so, get yourself along there and let me know what you come home with!

'Till next year!

From Me...To Me

On a dreary day like this I tend to feel ... well ... dreary. I do love Autumn, the leaves changing colour and the beautiful crisp mornings. But I hate grey clouds and looming rain.
So every now and then you need a little treat to brighten up your day right? Well the weather is my excuse today - and I'm sticking to it. What's yours?
So when you're not in the mood for whipping something up, you want something quick, easy, accessible and most importantly - sweet.
So to fill that hole, why not try these:

These little delights, or Whoopie's as they are formally called, are my secret little obsession (well not so secret anymore!)

Have you tried them? If not, you're missing out. If you're in London pop along to Harrod's and grab yourself one - or a box.

Trust me, it's worth the journey!

Wednesday Gossip

So it's Wednesday night, one of my favourite nights of the week. And no not because it's vegetarian night at our fabulous local pub and no, not because I'm cooking up a storm.

There's pretty much one reason:

(Photo from The CW)

Yes that is Ed Westwick, but not just because of him (well he does go towards it!) But, 'tis the night of the Gossip.

The glamour, the actors, the stories, the scandal ... the style.

Not since Sex and the City have we seen such beauty and such trend-setting, wouldn't you agree? It's perhaps not so daring as SATC (hello Samantha) but it's certainly up there:

(Photo from The CW) 

(Photo from The CW)

(Photo from The CW)

And there it is, in all of its fabulous glory. One thing I do envy: Those oh-so-long legs. Blaek Lively, what with your hair and legs, well done.

One of the things I do love about Gossip Girl is the stark differences between that of Serena and Blair. You would absolutely never catch B wearing that daring black number would you? But wouldn't you just love to?

But I have to say, nothing makes me quite so envious as the lovely hair of the lovely Lily:

 (Photo from The CW)

Every single Wednesday those sophisticated up-dos literally make me green.

Here's to Wednesday night.

Tomatoes: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Tomatoes: One of my all time favourite ingredients. So sweet and succulent. Dont you agree? I know you do.
So tonight whilst I was shopping for tonight's dinner, I struck across the tomato section and it got me to thinking about a tomato winner and tomato loser...

Loser: The Standard Salad Tomato:
It may be okay on a pizza, combined with a base of a recipe, in a soup but on its own? No, no, no. When it comes to tomatoes I prefer a sweet taste, when it hits the back of your mouth and you taste the pips. That's my kind of tomato!

Winner: Sugardrop Tomato:
To be honest, there's nothing quite like them. Mix them in with an olive oil, pesto and parmesan spaghetti and you have one hell of a delicious, quick and easy dinner. Try it out and let me know!

Any other opinions? What are your favourites? Drop me a line!

DVF Does Beauty

DVF, the lady that made the wrap dress famous is set to dip her finger in yet more pies.

DVF is set to launch a beauty range, later this year. Yes that's right, one of the top designers is now going to be producing 'the slap' for all us folk who so adore her designs.

Having signed with ID Beauty, DVF will be launching a fabulous fragrance later this year - just in time for Christmas I hear you say. Coincidence? I think not.

Post-fragrance, the cosmetic and skincare line will be launched. What a nice little surprise to your sunny day, right?

Please girl, make the cosmetics as bright and beautiful as what was showcased at your recent showcase.

And please, release it soon!



Next Stage for Christmas

So the lights aren't out of the attic - just yet (unfortunately). And Santa is still running around his work-shop like he's on fire. But in terms of prep for Christmas: 'Tis the season (to be jolly, fa la la la la la la la la).
This week I am going to be getting the ingredients and creating a recipe for the perfect Christmas cake.

Christmas cake: Love it or hate it?

Around my Christmas table, it's always a tricky one. While my Nan always makes a plunge for it, my Mum avoids it like the plague while my sister makes no clear advances.

So why bother making you might ask? Because it is a Christmas staple. Pouring brandy and lighting the match is just part of Christmas, right?

So check back soon for the oh-so-perfect Christmas cake recipe.

When it Comes to Saturday Night...

When it comes to a Saturday night, there's really only one thing to do during the colder months right?

So tonight, when you are snuggling down in your oh-so-comfy Bodas Cotton Pyjama Shirt (available from Net-A-Porter) and your UGG slippers (available from ASOS), why not try a simple homemade snack which you can easily whip up during the adverts:

Homemade Popcorn:

Ingredients: 

1. 2 table spoons of vegetable oil (not olive!)

2. Popcorn kernels.

3. 20g of melted butter.

4. Teaspoon of cinnamon.

5. Tablespoon of caster sugar.

Recipe:

1. Put the oil into the pan.

2. Put the hob onto a medium heat and heat up the oil, slowly.

3. Make sure the oil is hot, hot, hot.

4. Drop in a hand full of the popcorn (your decision on how much.) Then put the lid on the pan. Turn down the hob slightly. Popping will begin and will then increase. Shake the pan slightly.

5. Do not remove the lid and remove it from the heat. Shake slightly and slowly. Put back for 30 seconds and shake again.

6. When the popping stops, turn off the heat and remove the pan from the hob.

7. Melt the butter and mix in the cinnamon on medium heat. Mix in with popcorn and sprinkle the sugar!

8. Popcorn to be enjoyed with the X Factor.  

Frying-Up Leeks

Leeks aren't just for boiling, you know. Okay, they may be fine that way every once in a while, but if you're looking for something different to do with them then attempt the following recipe.
Leeks are one of my favourite vegetables - they are just so unbelievably versatile.
Earlier today when I was out for lunch I grabbed a quick brie, mushroom and leek toastie and it was utterly delicious.
So, for the next time you want to try something different with the top vegetable, try this:

Ingredients:

1. 2 medium leeks.

2. 30g butter.

3. Salt and pepper for seasoning.

4. Handful of fresh, mixed herbs.

1. Cut up two medium-length leeks.
2. Warm a frying pan on low and add 30g of butter.
3. add your leeks, constantly stirring to avoid over-cooking.
4. Season after a couple of minutes and add a handful of fresh, mixed herbs (from the garden - ofcourse!)
5. Continue to sautee for about one minute and then they're done.

Welcome Back, Jamie

Jamie Oliver = One of the bests.
His simple, no-larking around approach is what has made his work so incredibly famous. And with such fabulous recipes as the ones that follow, are you really surprised?
So it came to my delight when I saw that Jamie was releasing a new book:

This latest book which is available from Sainsbury's for an incredible £8. Yes, £8! Is full of '30 minute wonder' recipes.
From his 'Summer Vegetable Lasagne' to 'Sticky Pan-Fried Scallops', there is really nothing that you can falter about these recipes.
If I were you I'd get on your camel coat and go and buy one now (from Sainsbury's if you want one-hell-of-a-deal).

Camel-Cracking Finds

I don't know about you but my new favourite colour is....Camel.
I just can't get the colour out of my mind and on my latest shopping trip, it seemed to b everywhere I turned. From the latest boots, to brogues, to coats, to dresses. The desert animal is literally everywhere.
So I figure if it's hanging on all kinds of fixtures in different stores, why cant it be hanging off of me?
Here are the latest finds which I will be snapping up soon and wearing out to dinner. Such as my upcoming Veggie evening at a local pub and dinner with friends to catch up with the latest gossip.

Double Breasted Blazer, £69.99, Zara

Plush College Coat, £69.99, Zara

Long Sleeve Breton Striped Tee, £20, Topshop

Isn't the colour just so amazing? And most of all, versatile. Layer it up during the winter months, it's practical and damn hot.

Let me know if you have any other camel-cracking finds.

You'll Either Love It...Or Hate It. I'm Excited to Try It!

No, your eyes are not lying to you. Yes, that is the Marmite logo - and that is a bar of chocolate. It is, alas, Marmite Chocolate.

As part of their Christmas 2010 range, Marmite has launched what they are coining 'Very Peculiar' chocolate. A combination of chocolate and all the other ingredients which you usually find within the Marmite jar.

What do you think? I think it sounds pretty exciting but perhaps only a one-time purchase to - shall we say - 'experiment.'

The bars will cost £3 and will appear in shops such as Debenhams on your local high-street.

I know I'll certainly be popping down and giving it a try, I am, after all, one-hell-of-a-Marmite-fan.

Pickling Onions

As I mentioned earlier, this year I am pickling my own onions - just in time for Christmas.
Below is a brilliant method to create the perfect pickled onion...

Ingredients:
1. Packet of pickling onions.
2. Sarsons pickling vinegar.
3. 4 table spoons of salt.
5. Water, straight out the tap.

Method:
1. Peel your onions.

2. Wash the onions.
3. Place a saucepan on the hob and enough water to fill a bowl to 3/4 full. Dissolve large amounts of salt until no more will dissolve. Put this salt-water in a bowl.
4. Put the onions in and leave for 24 hours.
5. Do not leave for more than 24 hours, remove from brine, wash and place in a sterilised jar along with the pickling vinegar.
6. Leave until Christmas!

A Little Freebie + Pickling Onions

Today the sun is not shining (shocker) so I am staying in and completing a few jobs which are on my to-do list.
First up: Pickling my onions. Nothing tastes better than homemade pickled onions at Christmas time. They are so easy to do and when you pop open that jar at Christmas time and smell that vinegar - it is all worth it.
Check back later for instructions on how to do this.
Meanwhile, yesterday a little surprise sample came through the door from Boots. I am sure many of you also received it: 'No7 Protect and Perfect Day Cream'. I have often heard many, many pearls of wisdom from people like my Mum and Nan to 'start with creams early on in life - there is no point in doing it once the horse has bolted!'

So today I am going to have a little try at this day cream which is apparantly one of the best on the market.
Have you tried it? I will be slapping it on whilst pickling my onions.
I'll let you know the verdict.

Quaint Country Pubs

I have always been a fan of quaint, old country pubs. There is just something about snuggling up near a log-fire, drinking a glass of wine and catching up with old friends. For some reason, a lot of these pubs have now been modernised (and in my opinion ruined!) and so striking across a good one is quite a delight.
Take a drive out to the country and have a snoop around, and remember to let me know what you find!
But I thought I would let you in on some of my fabourites:

The Swan Inn, Bitton: This small pub has become, what some would say, 'my local.' The typical, English pub food goes down a treat on cold winters evenings, while the bar and wait staff are very delightful. It is easily accesible and perfectly reasonable. I would recommend booking, to ensure a table.

The Sign of the Angel, Lacock: I have to say, lacock is one of my favourite places in England. Not only are you virtually walking around the Harry Potter set, but the old English heritage homes, pubs and shops seem to take you back to a different era. I love the unspoilt brilliance of everything that it is has to offer. Being a National Trust site means that it is a popular area for tourists - but oh so worth the trip. Stop in local tea rooms for afternoon tea and be sure to visit The Sign of the Angel for a cracking Sunday roast. It is actually a beautiful, old hotel but the pub/restaurant has become famous all over England. Trust me, it is definitely worth it. Take your dog to Lacock and wander around the cobbled streets - you will feel like you are in a Jane Austen novel. Visit: http://www.lacock.co.uk/angelhome.html Booking is essential.

(I can't say it looks much different today, minus the cattle ofcourse!)

Have you found any other secret treasures? Let me know, it's a good excuse to take a visit somewhere! 

Olive Magazine

Being a veggie can often be difficult. Cheese is usually always on the menu when it comes to grabbing a quick lunch and this can sometimes be monotenous. Don't get me wrong, I am a big cheese fan. Nothing seems to go down easier than a slab of cheddar or blue cheese. But sometimes, I just want to find something different - someting unusual and off the radar.
So when I was scouring through the latest October edition of Olive Magzine, page 77 came as quite a treat: '10 Veggie lunches for £1' > Cheap and delicious.
If you haven't bought the latest Olive Magazine (then why not?) below are some of the 'meat-free lunches' which they have described:

1. 'Crunchy houmous seeded butties': Grab 2 slices of seeded brown bread and pop on a thick layer of houmous. On top of that place a grated carrot and an appropriate amount of watercredd. Alas, a sandwich is made.

2. 'Bang bang noodle salad': Cook enough egg noodles for one person and drain. Pop the noodles in a bowl with 2 thinly sliced spring onion, some shredded mange tout, 4 baby corn sliced and a bit of sliced chilli (for added warmth). In a seperate bowl, grab a table spoon of crunchy peanut butter, another table spoon of sesame oil and 2 table spoons of soy sauce - throw in enough boiling water to create a dressing. Mix it up!

Dont they sound utterly fabulous? Even if you aren't a vegetarian, how could you possibly resist? I know I will certainly be throwing them together soon. Another perfect strike, Olive.

All above recipes from: Olive Magazine, October 2010 edition.

Creme Brulee - The Cheater's Way

After a long day at work I know that many people would rather put their feet up and watch the latest trashy American TV show than slave over a hot stove all night.
The thought of the hard work is often dreaded as much as going to work in the morning. As for me, I am always in the mood for cooking, I find it relaxing and seeing the end product after a lot of hard work = sheer satisfaction.
So every now and then on here I am going to drop in a little cheater's guide - just to treat you!
Are you a fan of Creme Brulee? If you haven't tried it, trust me you are and after trying this, you will be.
Just the other day I was walking around Sainsbury's grabbing some ingredients for a recipe when I discovered this:

I know from talking to friends and family that often people make the effort to cook the main course from scratch, but when it comes to dessert, grabbing it from the packet is so much easier. Now, I am not going to say I always approve of the packet-approach, but I know it can often be soooo easy and can also taste soooo good.

So why not pop along to your local Sainsbury's and pick up these 2 pots of Vanilla Creme Brulee? They are so unbelievably easy to cook in the grill and taste surprisingly good.

So just for tonight, pop the blow-torch away and wack on the grill instead: Tomorrow, back to the from-scratch method! I'll allow you to cheat - just this time!

'Till later. x