Tuesday 28 February 2012

Westfield Stratford Rhythm Kitchen Cookery Workshop:)

A lot of you will know that I am a huge fan of Carribean cooking, so jumped at the chance of attending a cookery workshop at the Rhythm Kitchen restaurant at Westfield Stratford.  The place is vibrant and fun, and since opening last September has proved a huge success for owner Delroy.

We watched the Sea Bass being stuffed and cooked and then sampled it afterwards, it was to die for!   You can watch the video by clicking to the right of this blog, and watch some other Food Explorer demonstrations here!

Vibrant and fun

Beautifully presented
I have the Sea Bass recipe myself now, so watch this space for my attempt at cooking it :) or better still get yourself down to Rhythym Kitchen where it is now on the menu every Friday!

To keep in touch with all the Westfield food news, check out the website here :)

Tuesday 21 February 2012

Pancake Day

Today is Pancake Day, so we've all had a go, here is Jasper flipping his pancake!

Last year I posted a peasy pancake recipe here!

Have a good one, still pondering on what to give up for lent - red wine and beer me thinks!

Enjoy!
Annie x


Mushroom Burger and Cretan Mess for BBC Three Counties Radio

I was lucky enough to be asked back onto Nick Coffer's Weekend Kitchen on BBC Three Counties Radio.  It's a fab Saturday lunchtime show with some great guests *coughs*, great food, fab conversation and a mixture of music.   Its a two hour show, but when you're on it it goes by very quickly, as you're having so much fun!

As the "home cook" I was asked to take in 2 courses.  Being near Valentines Day we were asked to shun the whole Valentine thing and provide meals for one!   As my husband plays football twice a week I am quite used to this, and was happy to provide my Mushroom Burger", followed by "Cretan Mess"!  The latter was a variation on a Greek Dessert which myself and Emma the Producer came up with, and it really worked!

If you've never tried the mushroom burger I would urge you to do so, it is so tasty and meaty - ironically - and its a healthy twist on a favourite dish!

Mushroom Burger
Ingredients - Mushroom Burger
Olive oil
Portobella Mushroom
Cream Cheese - I use Philadelphia Light
1 Garlic clove chopped
Roll of choice
Lettuce, tomato etc. or whatever you wish to load it with!

Brush the mushroom all over, lightly, with the oil, and place under a medium grill for 6 minutes each side.   Mix the garlic into 2 tbsp of cream cheese then place the mixture around the stem.   Put mushroom back under the grill for a further 6 minutes and its done.  Load it into a roll, with whatever you like, and enjoy! :)
Cretan Mess
Ingredients - Cretan Mess
Greek yoghurt
Merinque cases - bought mine from Sainsburys
Runny honey
Dried apricots, chopped

Mix the yoghurt and meringues together until you have a consistancy you like.  Pour into glasses - I have sundae ones - top with runny honey and chopped apricots :)

You can catch Nick Coffer on twitter at @mydaddycooks he also has a fab book of the same name, and is busy writing his second :)

Would love some feedback if you give either of these dishes a whirl!

Enjoy!
Annie



Thursday 16 February 2012

Space saving idea for kids hats, gloves, scarves etc.

This is an unsponsored post!

If your household is like mine, I find this time of year we are scratching around looking for hats, gloves and scarves etc. for the kids.  They are not usually where they should be, and it's stressful enough getting them into coats and boots without this on top! 
I therefore had a look around, and came across some lovely personalised "pump" bags on ebay.  At £6.99 plus minimal p&p I believe they are worth every penny!  I now have them for my own children and for my clients too!  Although they are currently only in gingham Izzy has sent me some materials she will be using in the future, including stars and hearts The kids know to put all their stuff in their own bag, then their coat on their own peg!  It makes for a happier Winter :)
Tidier hallway :)