Author Archives: Jen

Draniki

Making these Belarussian potato pancakes is quite labour-intensive, but the end result is hearty, satisfying and tasty- perfect for a winter evening and well worth the effort. Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 10 to 20 minutes Serves: 4 Difficulty: Difficult Ingredients 2 yellow onions Vegetable oil 30g/1oz/1 cup of dried wild mushrooms (or 150g/5oz/2 cupsContinue reading “Draniki”

Paella Valenciana

  Paella is a rice dish from Valencia and a symbol of Valencian cuisine and culture. For this recipe, Valencian vegetables, meats and rice are cooked in the traditional style to recreate authentic Paella. Chicken and rabbit are used in Paella Valenciana but these can be replaced with other ingredients to make different traditional versions ofContinue reading “Paella Valenciana”

Бефстроганов (Beef Stroganoff)

This celebrated Russian stew is rich, creamy and luxurious and can be accompanied by potatoes, pasta, rice or buckwheat. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Serves: 4 Difficulty: Moderate Ingredients 85g/3oz/just over 1/3 cup of butter 2 yellow onions 225g/8oz/2 cups of button mushrooms 1 tsp fresh dill A few sprigs of parsleyContinue reading “Бефстроганов (Beef Stroganoff)”

Conopida Saseasca (Saxon-style Cauliflower)

This Romanian version of Cauliflower Cheese is a great side dish and a comforting winter warmer. Preparation time: 25 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Serves: 4 (as a side dish) Difficulty: Moderate Ingredients 500g/18oz/4 1/2 cups of cauliflower 2 white onions 300g/11oz/1 1/3 cups of sunculita, pastramă or smoked bacon 1 tbsp vegetable oil 2 cloves ofContinue reading “Conopida Saseasca (Saxon-style Cauliflower)”

Bakestones (Picau ar y maen/Welsh Cakes)

Melt in your mouth Welsh Cakes- the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of tea. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 10-20 minutes Serves: 10 Difficulty: Easy Ingredients 50g/just under 2oz/1/4 cup of butter 50g/just under 2oz/1/4 cup of lard 225g/8oz/just under 2 cups of self raising flour 85g/3oz/just under 1/2 a cup of caster sugarContinue reading “Bakestones (Picau ar y maen/Welsh Cakes)”

Cranachan

This deliciously light, easy-to-make dessert of fresh raspberries, heather honey, rolled oats, whisky and cream is quintessentially Scottish. Soaking time: 12 hours Preparation time: 20 minutes Difficulty: Easy Serves: 4 Ingredients 4-5 tbsp medium rolled oats 300g/11oz/2 1/2 cups of fresh raspberries 40g/1.5oz/3 tbsp caster sugar 400ml/4dl/3/4 pt/1 3/4 cups of double cream 3-4 tbspContinue reading “Cranachan”

Lokum (Turkish Delight)

This world-famous confection is surprisingly simple and easy to make, and is extremely versatile: this basic recipe can be adapted to incorporate a wide range of flavours and toppings. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Refrigeration time: 12 hours Difficulty: Moderate Serves: 10 Ingredients For the lokum: 400g/14oz/2 cups of granulated sugar 70g/2.5oz/just over halfContinue reading “Lokum (Turkish Delight)”

Ragù alla Bolognese

A classic Bolognese sauce of mince and fresh vegetables, gently sautéed with wine and tomatoes and accompanied by a pasta of your choice= perfect for just about any meal! Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 3 hours Serves: 4 Difficulty: Moderate Ingredients 300g/10.5oz/1 1/3 cup beef or plant-based mince 100g/3.5oz/just over half a cup pancettaContinue reading “Ragù alla Bolognese”

Fairy and Butterfly Cakes

Little fluffy fairy cakes topped with sweet glace icing make a soft, delicate treat. Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Difficulty: Easy Makes: About 18 cakes Ingredients For the cakes: 200g/7oz/1 cup of caster sugar 115g/4oz/1/2 cup of butter or margarine (room temperature) 2 eggs 225g/8oz/just under 2 cups of self-raising flour (orContinue reading “Fairy and Butterfly Cakes”

Moussaka

Preparation time: 40 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes Serves: 4 Difficulty: Moderate Ingredients Bottom layer: 3 large potatoes 5 aubergines (eggplants) 3 courgettes (zucchini) 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil Salt and pepper Thyme (optional) Middle layer: 800g/28oz/4 1/2 cups of beef or plant-based mince 4 tablespoons of olive oil 2 red onions 2 cloves ofContinue reading “Moussaka”