This is a family recipe from a special friend’s Grandma – when she first gave me the (handwritten!) recipe, it took me a few minutes (okay, a few hours!) to realise that there’s no coffee in it! It’s a cake to go with coffee. And conversation. And all the things that make you thankful for … Continue reading
Special Chocolate Cake
What’s special? Well, this is gluten free, nut free, vegan and sugarless. And tastes great! And all in a food processor – no fuss baking at its best! 1 tin pear halves in juice (c400g) 1/4 cup oil (vegetable, sunflower or a light olive oil) 1/4 cup agave syrup (or honey if you don’t need … Continue reading
Carrot & Orange Cake
A lovely, moist, moreish carrot cake – with no gluten, nuts, dairy, eggs or sugar! 250g gluten free self-raising flour 2 medium grated carrots 1/2 cup chopped dates (or other dried fruit) pinch sea salt 3 tsp mixed spice 250ml coconut milk juice & zest of 1 orange 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for … Continue reading
Chocolate Cheesecake
Well we can’t all be good all of the time!!! Makes 8 greedy portions (or 12 if you have self-discipline) in a 7-inch round tin. I line mine, and a springform or loose base helps, but it’s not essential. Base (make without for gluten-free) 115g / 4 oz chocolate bourbon biscuits 58g / 2 oz … Continue reading
Natural Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against food colouring per se, but the thought of adding a bottle or two of bright red to my kids’ food? Forget it. So, after HUNDREDS of test cakes, this is part science experiment, part baking. They aren’t bright red (but then again, I didn’t really want them … Continue reading
A Bit of Crumpet
7g sachet / 2 tsp quick yeast 1 tsp sugar 1 cup liquid (warm not hot) – this can be any combination of milk and water you like. Some like all milk, some half-and-half, and I quite like just water 250g (1½ cups) plain flour (regular cake flour is fine, or use bread/strong flour), white … Continue reading
Nut allergy? Armed Forces?
I wondered how long it would take me to get on my soapbox about something or other to do with food. And then this email came in from a friend…. Dear Friends, For a long time you have heard me going on about my son not being able to join the RAF although in September … Continue reading
Bootiful Bolognese
Something to do with Magic Mince. To 1 cup of mince base add 1 tin of chopped tomatoes a good glug of red wine fresh or dried herbs to taste (basil, oregano, etc) 1. Heat through 2. Serve with pasta or whatever takes your fancy. (It’s also good in a lasagne.)
Chilli sin Carne
One thing to do with Magic Mince. To 1 cup of mince base add 1 tin chopped tomatoes 1 drained tin of red kidney beans (or other beans if preferred) a good glug of red wine 1 tsp (or to taste) of chilli powder 1. Bring to the boil for 5 minutes. 2. Top with … Continue reading
Magic Mince
This is my go-to meatless mince – for those meat-free Mondays, Lenten abstinence, or a health kick. Doesn’t really matter – my other half thinks it’s better than the real thing and the kids love it! 2 tbs olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, crushed/minced 2 tbs tomato paste 2 large beetroot, grated … Continue reading
The Inclusive Cook 