It really is bone-chillingly cold outside with snow showers forecast so warm, comforting foods are high on the list right now and am thinking casserole is called for.
As we are on something of a post- Christmas economy drive, the long, slow cooking means cheaper cuts of meat are perfect to use. Added winter vegetables bring not only flavour but important nutrients to the dish as do side dishes of seasonal vegetables. What more could you ask for?
There are many, many casserole recipes but here is a selection of my favourite warm, filling recipes for the cold weather ahead.
Stay safe and warm.
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The weekend is here and it is the end of Breakfast Week, lovely, so maybe it is time to linger a little longer over breakfast and though a
Full English is a favourite, sometimes it's great to ring the the change so I am thinking pancakes. They are quick and easy and serve with fresh fruit, jam or bacon and maple syrup, makes a scrumptious breakfast.
Which pancake to choose is always difficult but have a look at this collection of
Pancakes from Around the World. Choose from the typical English pancake, thin, light and not dissimilar to a French crepe, or a
Welsh Crempog, an American stack of great Buttermilk Pancakes or savory Scandinavian Raggmunk.
Bring them on!
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The January cut-back continues and pondering over dinner for tonight have just been reminded of one of my favourite ingredients, smoked fish, which also happens to be on the reasonable side of cost. Smoked fish is such a versatile ingredient in the kitchen, I love it. It makes great, flavourful soups, stews, chowders, breakfasts, main meals ... its uses are endless.
Smoked fish is also healthy if like most foods, you don't eat too much. Smoked oily fish (mackerel, salmon, tuna) have omega-3 fatty acids in them which are good for the heart and the brain.Most smoked fish recipes are relatively quick, and easy to make and here are 5 of my favourites. Having had a look, I think I have decided on smoked mackerel, great value quick and easy to cook and especially lovely in fishcakes and served with a pea purée. That's dinner sorted.
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Spicy Chicken and Lentils Recipe
Cheap and cheerful pulses may not be considered the sexiest of food yet they form the basis of some of the best recipes around. Pulses pop up all over British food and in many guises - guess what
mushy peas are made from?
A pulse is the edible seed of leguminous plants, sometimes eaten fresh but usually dried and includes all beans, peas and lentils. They are high in protein, so good for vegetarians and a healthy choice for meat eaters alike. Pulses are a slow-release carbohydrate so help you to feel fuller for longer and also add fiber to your diet.
As we are on a bit of an economy drive right now pulses fit right in, dried pulses are
CHEAP to buy and as they bulk out a meal, you can eat healthily and save money - great for feeding a family or cooking on a budget.
If you think pulses are boring then take a look at these recipes, I think you may just change your mind.
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