Tuesday 28 December 2010
Wednesday 22 December 2010
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.
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.
Saturday 18 December 2010
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
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
Tuesday 14 December 2010
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.
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.
Saturday 11 December 2010
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.
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?
Goodbye and god bless, X factor. Thank you for being a fine friend over the last few months.
Wednesday 8 December 2010
'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.
Anything else which gets you in the festive mood?
Nighty night. I'm off for a cranberry prosecco cocktail.
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.
Monday 6 December 2010
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.
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.
(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.
Saturday 4 December 2010
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!
Wednesday 1 December 2010
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.
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.
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