Slowing Down In The Kitchen

My evenings usually go something like this (when I am in work). I arrive home to Olly very eager to go for a walk, so straight out of the back door I go, whatever the weather. I return, get tea on, throwing whatever I have in the oven, not particularly thinking about the food I am putting on our plates, just how quickly I can get it done.

Baking I find different to cooking, I thoroughly enjoy baking and often when I am stressed find myself in the middle of baking a cake - comfort food!!

But, I want to enjoy cooking more, to plan more thoroughly, to take my time preparing and more importantly eating. Despite throwing whatever in the oven we do have a really healthy diet, as in lots of fish, more protein, limited carbs, but just thrown together by the seat of my pants ;-)

This week I have enjoyed being in the kitchen, because I have had time. I tried a couple of new recipes and have slowed down my eating - I don't have anywhere to go at the moment, I'm not going running, dashing off to Pilates......

First up, this gorgeous colourful Vegetarian Chilli which I forgot to picture when on the plate!!

I wasn't too sure about this Cauliflower Cheese with Crispy Bacon, but made it for lunch and it was yummy. So simple, yet filling too! I forgot to roast mine, Frugal Queen's looks better, haha!

Last but not least this comforting, autumnal Roasted Pumpkin Soup. It was delicious and enjoyed by all who tasted! :-) I have made pumpkin soup before, which was left to go cold by everyone, me included. I picked a bad recipe....this time I went with Jamie Oliver. I did water it down quite a bit after these shots, I also added sweet potato :-0

So, I'm trying to embrace the slow, taking advantage of my time at home as I recover. Looking for inspiration, planning to eat something new at last once a week. I'd love if you could share or point me to any recent recipes you have tried and loved.

Happy Weekend!
XX

Cooking With My Boy

This Christmas Day was the most chilled out I have EVER known

 (apart from one year when we were on holiday!)

My Son had really gotten into the spirit of things, organising the menu and who was responsible for which course, laying the table & preparing the food.

It was great!

I loved that everyone was so relaxed & shared in ensuring everything went smoothly - 

everyone just got on with it!!

So here's my boy at work - preparing 'devils on horseback', 'pigs in blankets' & asparagus wrapped in crispy bacon - delicious!

It's not just about the food, it's the memory -

 we had such a good time cooking together!

Thank you 'L' - Love Ya's!

XX

Crazy Day

Today was my day off and once again I had a list as long as my arm. But, it has been a thoroughly productive day.

I have tackled the on-line banking, ordered some boots (yes in June!!), booked flights, shopped, bought a present, sent eBay  items I have sold to their new owners, tried a new recipe and baked a cake, whew!

I even had time to meet with 'C' (aka the best friend a girl could wish for) and enjoy a leisurely walk and ginger beer whilst catching up and generally putting the World to rights  ;-)

Below, the new recipe I tried out - fish in breadcrumbs. Cheap, wholesome and tasty using frozen haddock fillets from Aldi, wholemeal bread whizzed into breadcrumbs in the blender and an egg. I also did Nando's PeriPeri sprinkle potato wedges ;-)

Cherry & coconut traybake.

Looked around and most of the kitchen was like this - been like a whirlwind all day!

I bought this lovely slate heart for a friend who is leaving work tomorrow. She loves my gluten free brownies so I put gluten free flour, gluten free chocolate and some pretty bun cases with it and wrapped it in cellophane with a bow. Excuse the surrounding chaos of the picture!

 

I love days where I can tick lots off the 'to do' list!

XX