Well folks, the #FBC12 "insane" giveaway has seen an incredible (1640 entries) turn out of participants. Thanks to all who participated and I'm thrilled to see so many of you keen to attend #FBC12, especially as returnees. Now, the news you've all been waiting to hear (maybe) .... A very big congratulations to a Rafflecopter giveaway Sally Prosser, please get in touch via email and we will arrange for your ticket and sessions to be booked....
We've been enjoying this soup for about two months now and we're still not bored of it. It's so delicious and a fantastic option for those of you looking to lighten up after the holidays. I enjoy fennel any way it comes but turning it into a warming soup as the snow tumbles outside, is the perfect cure for the winter blues. Adding flakes of white fish like cod makes it even more fulfilling and a perfect way to end the day while still keeping...
Roasties are what the English call roast potatoes. I had never heard of them till my early 20's when I learned the following technique from my father in-law. He's a fantastic cook. When Jim served these up, I went completely bonkers with delight or as he simply calls it-crazy Arab. The secrets to getting roasties perfectly crisp are: A) Roughen up the edges by shaking them well. B) Let them dry out a bit (which makes them great for...
I make this lasagna a lot and it's always a huge hit. It puts a sparkle in peoples eyes. It casts a spell. You can get them to do anything just make sure you make enough for seconds. Now, before my beloved Italian friends raise hell, I know this has nothing to do with a traditional Italian Lasagna. Primarily because it calls for mascarpone or ricotta and does not include a bechamel or ragu sauce. It might make some...
My first taste of a lettuce veloute, was in New York, a few weeks ago. I never thought mushy lettuce could blossom in a soup. It was velvety smooth and it felt strange that it tasted so well. And I suppose why not we use a lot of different greens we eat in salads to make soups too. So, as soon as I got home, I ventured into the kitchen in an effort to re-create something similar. With the weather finally nearing pleasant temperatures, I...
My Lebanese grandmother would often make something very similar to this ratatouille which we knew in Arabic as mtab'a. About age 15, I finally had a "French" ratatouille in Provence, made by my French step-mom's father. I always loved my grandmother's mtab'a and so embraced ratatouille immediately. It's very satisfying served as a main meal with some rustic bread (Pain de Campagne), or goes well as an accompaniment to fish, meat or rice....