FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD
Growing up my parents had their own catering company. Every weekend they’d be feeding the masses at Weddings, Balls, Birthday Parties and a lot of the time they did multiple functions on the same day. Dad and Mum had a great team that worked alongside them as well and they became our extended family. My brother and I worked for the family business as often as we could serving, washing up and I’m sure a lot of the time we thought we were more help than we actually were.
One of the things that I got a taste for early on was a passion for cooking. My Mum has always amazed me in the kitchen. She is one of those people that can have a crowd turn up unexpectedly and in no time she can whip up a smorgasbord with very few ingredients. Watching her over the years has instilled in me an unafraid attitude in the kitchen. I love being creative, tasting something in a restaurant, making note of all of the elements then coming home and doing my best to replicate it for my family. Most of the time I manage to create a fairly good copy of the dishes I’ve enjoyed. I have a library of cookbooks but I like to take a few liberties where possible with the ingredients or method and put my own spin on a recipe. One of the handy things I do is I keep a display folder in my pantry with all of the favourite recipes I’ve found online or in magazines so they’re easy to find when I need them.
Cooking is how I relax, unwind and switch off from the world, usually with a large glass of wine as well. There’s also no better feeling than seeing the smiling faces and contented tummies of my family and friends after they’ve devoured food I’ve made with love.
Recipe No.1 - Osso Buco
American Writer, Restauranteur & Media Personality Mario Batali is one of my favourite Chefs. His recipes are just like him, big & bold! I like to serve this on it’s own with some crusty bread or if you have time it’s incredible with Risotto Milanese on the side.
Recipe No.2 - Mac & Cheese
There seriously is no other Mac & Cheese recipe you need. This is a family favourite in our house but be warned, it’s addictive!
Recipe No.3 - Easy Butter Chicken
Who doesn’t love Butter Chicken? This recipe is delicious & you can adjust the chilli to your own taste. I like to serve mine with lime wedges, chutney, dill yoghurt & roti on the side... YUM!
Recipe No.4 - Lamb Mince Moussaka
I simply adore Maggie Beer, her colourful personality shines through in her delicious recipes. Maggie’s Lamb Moussaka is heavenly, love the béchamel as well with the combination of stock & milk... I’m drooling! Make it, you won’t be disappointed!
Recipe No.5 - Chewy Brownie
You simply can’t beat a Brownie, there’s nothing better! My tip, use the best quality cocoa powder & dark chocolate you can buy. Don’t skimp, it makes all the difference to how good they taste.
Click for the recipe.