Grandad’s onion gravy is a legend in my family. It goes great with Sunday roasts, sausages and pork chops. Making this gravy takes a bit longer than usual, so I only tend to make it when we have the family round for dinner, but it is well worth the effort. […]
Sides
Potatoes Dauphinoise
Potatoes Dauphinoise or gratin dauphinois is a French dish of sliced potatoes baked in milk or cream, using the gratin technique. Origins It originates from the Dauphiné region in south-eastern France, situated between the Alps and the Rhone valley. Cheese? English speaking countries like the USA or here in the […]
Portuguese Tomato Salad
Sometimes less is more, and this really simple Portuguese tomato salad is much better than the sum of its ingredients. This simple but delicious salad makes a great accompaniment for meat or fish. Make it in advance to let the flavours mingle and you will be delighted. It reminds me […]
Apple Sauce
An easy apple sauce needing just four ingredients which goes great with pork or duck. Bramley apples are best for cooking and are widely available.
Christmas Gravy
Christmas gravy is a must for any festive roast. Our gravy is a long-standing family tradition and Christmas dinner would not be the same without it. It probably seems a lot of effort for some gravy, but a great gravy lifts any roast dinner. Make the stock ahead of time, […]
Golden Crispy Roast Potatoes
Perfect golden crispy roast potatoes with a crunchy shell and soft fluffy insides. No roast dinner is complete without decent roast potatoes. When we have the family round for Sunday lunch, for instance, or a festive event there are never any leftovers. Clean plates all around. For anyone wanting seconds, […]
Sprouts with chorizo and almonds
Let’s face it, the small miniature cabbages we call sprouts are the cause of many a festive menu dilemma. Fortunately, this recipe saves us from past traumas with pan-fried sprouts complemented with chorizo and toasted almonds. The classic sprout of my youth, large, green, overcooked and smelling vaguely of rotten […]
Honey Roasted Parsnips
Golden honey roasted parsnips are a traditional accompaniment for roast turkey. Add some festive lift with some parmesan and chilli for a twist on a classic. Inspired by recipes from:
Papo Secos, Crusty Portuguese Rolls
A bowl of fresh clams steamed in their own juices, served in a bowl with some papo secos, crusty Portuguese rolls, are my favourite memory of holidays in the Algarve.
Wrinkled Potatoes
Brought over by explorers to South America in the 1600s and cultivated in the Canary Islands ever since you are sure to have had them on holiday there.