Recipes from my Mother for my Daughter

I have been very lucky to be sent the fabulous new cookery book - Recipes from my Mother for my Daughter by Lisa Faulkner, winner of Celebrity Masterchef 2011.

First impressions of the book were excellent, beautiful lifestyle photography with well laid out recipes. Lisa's mother passed away when she was just 16 and the recipes include ones that her mother used to cook when Lisa was growing up plus other family favourites. Each recipe includes an introduction from Lisa including what the recipe means to her and her family. A really lovely book that was enjoyable to read with recipes that you would want to cook everyday, not just for special occasions.

To test out the recipes, I decided to select three recipes to cook for my mum and dad on Mothers Day (plus my hubby and three kids!). I chose the Hot-Smoked Salmon Fishcakes with Watercress Sauce as a starter, the Coq au Vin for main course (I wanted something I could just prepare and leave in oven) and the Pavlova as dessert.



Mum and Dad with Daisy

Very tired looking Dylan

Hubby & Jasmine

The fishcakes were very easy to make, even in my kitchen - the smallest kitchen in the world! Looking back now, I should have prepared them Sunday morning as they would keep very easily in the fridge until you are ready to deep-fry them. My eldest daughter (age 7) helped me cook the sauce, which again was quite straight-forward.

Here is the recipe:

Hot-Smoked Salmon Fishcakes with Watercress Sauce

Serves 8 as a starter or 4 as a main

600g (1lb 2oz) potatoes, peeled and chopped
400g (13oz) lightly smoked salmon fillets
25g (1oz) butter
1 tbsp freshly snipped chives
flour, for rolling
2 eggs, beaten
100g (31/2oz) breadcrumbs (fresh or dried)
Vegetable or sunflower oil, for deep frying
salt and freshly ground black pepper
salad, to serve

For the sauce
25g (1oz) butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
125ml (4fl oz) white wine
200ml (7fl oz) double cream
100g (31/2oz) watercress
juice of 1 lemon

Method
Preheat the oven to 180C (350F), gas mark 4. Place the potatoes in a saucepan of water, bring to the boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender.

Meanwhile, place the salmon fillets on a large sheet of foil, dot with butter and wrap the foil over the top so that they are completely enclosed. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes until cooked through.

Drain and mash the potatoes, using the butter from the foil-wrapped salmon. Flake the salmon into the potatoes and mix in - try to keep the salmon chunky. Add the chives and season, then shape into 8 balls (or you could shape into patties).

Put the flour, egg and breadcrumbs in 3 separate shallow bowls. Roll each fishcake in the flour, then the egg, then the breadcrumbs. Dip in the egg again and finish with another layer of breadcrumbs.

Transfer to the fridge for about 20-30 minutes.

Heat the oil to about 180C (350F) - to test that the oil is ready, drop a cube of bread into the oil and if it floats and sizzles, turning golden brown after 20-30 seconds, then the oil is ready. Deep-fry the fish balls for about 5 minutes until golden. (If you are using patties, fry in a little oil for about 6 minutes on each side).

To make the sauce, melt the butter in a frying pan and fry the shallot until softened. Add the wine, chicken stock and cream and boil to reduce the liquid by half. Blanch the watercress, squeeze out the water and blitz in a food processor or blender until it is just broken up. Stir into the sauce and then add the lemon juice, salt and pepper. Serve with the fishcakes or patties and salad.

Thoughts
I'm not usually a huge fan of fishcakes as I find them quite dry, but these were delicious. They had a delicate flavour and the sauce was outstanding, so fresh with the lemon and watercress flavour really coming through. Everyone round the table gave them 10/10 which was a great start. My daughter was very proud of her sauce too!



The Coq au Vin was again a very straight-forward easy-to-follow recipe, I managed to prep it all in advance and put in the oven.

Coq au Vin
Serves 4-5
8-10 chicken portions (legs, thighs or a mixture of both)
125g (4oz) butter
12-15 shallots, peeled and halved at the root
150g (5oz) pancetta, cubed
4 garlic cloves
2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme
10 Chantenay carrots
150g (5oz) button mushrooms
1 x 750ml (11/4 pint) bottle full-bodied red wine
salt and freshly ground black pepper
Mashed potato and green vegetables to serve

Method
Preheat the oven to 160C (325F), gas mark 3 and season the chicken pieces.

In a large casserole, melt the butter and brown the chicken pieces. Add the shallots and pancetta and fry for a few minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, carrots and mushrooms and stir well. Add the wine and bring to the boil.

Season, cover and transfer to the preheated oven to cook for about 11/2 hours. Trust your instinct here and cook for as long as you like - longer if you like the chicken meat falling off the bone, for example.

Serve with mashed potato and green vegetables.

Thoughts
I actually left this dish in the oven for about 2-21/2 hours (until footie had finished!) and it was perfect. The chicken fell off the bone and the flavours again were delicious.

I felt it used quite a lot of butter and when I cook again will certainly reduce this. Lisa does mention in her intro it uses a lot of butter and this could be reduced so have made a note for next time.

I served with a choice of mashed or roast potatoes and would only do mash next time, plus carrots, broccoli and Spring greens.

It was another hit with the family and Mum has even asked for a copy of the recipe so she can cook at home. Dad picked out all the shallots (he's not an onion lover) but both him and hubby thought it was delicious and hubby had the leftovers for lunch the next day.

Was very impressed with the cost of this dish too, not an expensive dish to recreate at home so a winner all round.

So far so good, 2 out of 3 of Lisas recipes were a success with the family. How would dessert fare?

Pavlova
Serves 6
3 egg whites
a pinch of salt
250g (8oz) caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp malt vinegar (or any you have to hand)
300ml (1/2 pint) double cream
1 x 400g tin raspberries in syrup or juice (optional)
250g (8oz) strawberries, hulled and sliced
250g (8oz) raspberries

Method
Preheat the oven to 140C (275F), gas mark 1.

Draw a 23cm (9 inch) circle on non-stick baking paper as a guide and place on a baking try.

Whisk the egg whites with the salt in a large clean bowl, either by hand or with a hand-held electric mixer, until very stiff, then gradually whisk in the sugar. Whisk until it forms stiff peaks, this takes about 3-4 minutes. Fold in the vanilla extract and vinegar. Spread the meringue mixture over the circle on the non-stick paper and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour until firm.

Turn off the oven and leave the merinque in with the door closed for another half an hour. Leave the meringue to cool and peel off the baking paper from the bottom with care. Place the pavlova on a serving plate.

Whip the cream until stiff, pile on top of the meringue and decorate with the fruit. Strain the tinned raspberries and pile them in the centre, then arrange the rest of the fruit on the top. Of course, you can use whatever fruit is in season.

Thoughts
We didn't bother with the tinned raspberries, or fresh raspberries so just used strawberries. We were all pretty full from the previous two courses but managed a small portion (or 2!) and again another winner. An easy-to-follow, well laid out recipe that tasted delicious.





Conclusion
Really impressed with this wonderful recipe book by Lisa Faulkner,it has such a fantastic array of recipes that I would certainly cook. Other delicious sounding recipes include Salmon marinated in soy sauce, Toria's crispy marinated chicken, Slow cooked chilli con carne and Mummys Toad in the hole are a few that jump out instantly and ones I know my family would enjoy. There is also a great selection of desserts and cakes including Summer berry mille feuille and hazelnut meringues which I will definitely be recreating at home.

Would definitely recommend you buy a copy for your kitchen, it has been published by Simon & Schuster and prices range from £9-£15 depending on where you buy. Happy Cooking x

Cubby Kit Review

I was recently asked if I wanted to review a Cubby Kit, a fantastic subscription service that delivers a monthly box of crafts, science activities, imaginative play and lots more.  I jumped at the chance to review as although I try and spend as much time as possible with my eldest, 7, with the twins around it can sometimes be a struggle.

The box arrived (addressed to Jasmine, which really excited her and a great touch) inside was everything we needed to complete two craft activities - including full instructions, really good quality materials - including glue, scissors, shapes already cut out.

Jasmine looking very serious as Daddy was threatening to open her box!




Inside the box

The concept is fantastic, as I work full-timeI don't have time to shop around for all the craft bits needed, or indeed be creative enough to think of what to do.  The boxes are tailored for the age of your child (either 3-4 or 5-6).  Although Jasmine is slightly older she still really enjoyed the activities.

We started with the Foam Rocket and here is the finished item:

I'm having problems with my camera so not yet uploaded the Constellation Chart pics but will do asap.  We had great fun doing it though so would definitely recommend.

Anyone can order a Cubby Kit, either by paying a monthly subscription of £19.99 (includes postage and you can cancel at any time) or a yearly subscription of £199.99.  It sounds expensive but when you see all the goodies that are included in the box it covers everything so no need to rush out for extra bits.  The guys at Cubby Kit actually manage make it so easy to be creative with your kids. 

For more information or to order your own Cubby Kit, just visit www.cubbykit.com.  When the twins are a bit bigger, I will certainly be signing up for a box.

Have you tried Green Tea?

In my effort to be more healthy this year, am now up to running 5k three times a week, I have decided to cut down on the amount of tea I drink.

Although we do buy decaf tea, I still have 4 or 5 cups a day, so have decided to reduce this and increase my water intake.

My sister-in-law is a big drinker of Green Tea and as I'd never tried it she soon blasted me with the health benefits and suggested I try it.  The British Journal of Nutrition has recently revealed that drinking more than three cups of green tea a day can help protect against cell deterioration as we age.  Green tea is also a natural source of antioxidents that may help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.  Two good enough reasons for me to give it a go!

Background Info:

• Green Tea comes from the Camellia Sinensis and is treated in a different way to normal tea to give it a different unusual flavour. 
• Mostly produced in China, where 80% of the World's Green Tea comes from and they have been producing for years. Although you can find Green Tea from the Far East, South India and South America.
• The leaves for green tea are not given the opportunity to oxidise as with black tea, leaving the leaves green in colour.

Range:
Where there used to just be Green Tea, you can now buy a range of Green Teas from Twinings
There are three unflavoured Green Teas - one pure Green Tea, one Light & Delicate Green Tea (slightly softer taste) and then a Decaf Pure Green Tea.

There are also some flavoured Green Teas - a Jasmine Green Tea, a Lemon Green Tea, a Cranberry Green Tea and Pomegranate Green Tea. All use natural ingredients so no artificial flavours.

I opted to try the Pure Green Tea (£1.45 for 20 teabags)and you can Buy tea online although the Lemon Green Tea sounds quite intriguing, I'll stick to trying them one at a time.  I left the teabag in for about 2 minutes
(I like weak tea) and then tasted.


My initial comments would be not to expect green tea to taste like your normal tea as it definitely doesn't .  It is almost fresher, lighter and perhaps a bit grassier. It takes a few sips to get used to it but I found it quite nice and refreshing and will definitely try and add Green Tea to my daily diet though because it is so healthy.  I'll keep you posted on my progress. 

In the meantime, you can join the Twinings Tea UK club on Facebook for more info on new products, competitions and free products -

Healthy Winter

You may remember a while ago, I was sent a box of goodies from New Zealand Honey Co, including everything I need to survive the winter season!

The box was full of natural remedies including a selection of New Zealand Honey Co's goodies, a pack of peppermint tea, lemon juice, a clove of garlic, lavender oil, a packet of dried blueberries and some ground ginger.

Well as Winter is almost behind us (20 days until Spring!) I thought I would update you on my progress.

I have actually done really well this Winter avoiding all the germs and bugs that have been going round.  I did get one cold, which isn't bad considering the twins seems to have had a constant cold since November!   

Interestingly while everyone in the house was knocked out by the dreaded sickness bug (twice), I totally managed to avoid it (touch wood!).  I'm not sure if this is just a coincidence or ties in with the fact I have regularly been using the natural rememdies and trying to be as healthy as possible. 

The honey is delicious and I've been having every morning on toast.  Plus when I had my cold I made myself a hot toddy (minus the whisky) so perhaps the natural remedies really do work.  Who knows? But I will certainly be sticking with it for the rest of the year!

I have got a pic of the fab wooden box that my daughter decorated (for her Moshlings) so will add this pic shortly.

Now, I'm off donate some blood!

Canapes

This weekend I am throwing a little canape & cocktail party for some of my friends, well I say I'm throwing it but its all gone a bit wrong!

I had organised with another friend to host at my house for about 15 of us.  Plans had been made to pack the kids off to my parents for the night and hubby out to a friends. However due to the dreaded sickness bug doing the rounds, the twins have only just recovered and my parents are currently struggling with, hubby is now staying home with the kids and another friend has kindly offered to host it.

We've asked everyone to make different cocktails, so have a great selection including Woo Woo's, Sex on the Beach, Cosmopolitans, Margaritas - using tequila I have infused with jalapeno peppers, Mojitos, Harvey Wallbangers and Vodka Martinis.

My recipe for Strawberry Margarita with Triple Sec

First infuse the tequila for 2 days.  For half a bottle of tequila use 1 chill, cut up with seeds removed.  I used Jalapeno but you can use serrano or Habanor.  Try not to leave any longer than 2 days as will make a bit too hot!!

Ingredients:
Handful of strawberries
1 x shot of lime juice
1 x shot of tequila
1/2 x shot of Triple Sec
crushed ice
2 whole strawberries to decorate

Pour all the ingredients (except whole strawberries) into a blender.  Blend at high speed for about half a minute.  Pour into a margarita glass.  Decorate with the whole strawberry and put sugar round the rim of the glass (dip lip of glass in lime juice and then onto plate of sugar).  Serve while still cold.



My and my friend are making a small selection of canapes so thought I would share with you the recipes I will be using:

Spinach & Feta Falafel

Ingredients:
200g baby spinach
400g can drained chickpeas
100g feta cheese
2tsp cumin
100g plain flour
vegetable oil, for frying
tzatziki, to serve

1. Pour a kettle of boiling water over baby spinach in a colander. When cool enough to handle, squeeze out any water - do this really well or your falafels will be too soft.  Pulse in a food processor with drained chickpeas, feta, cumin and plain flour until just combined.  Roll into tbsp-sized balls with well floured hands, then flatten into paatties.

2. Fry in batch in vegetable oil for 2-3 mins each side, then leave to cool. Place on a baking tray, cover with cling film and freeze.  To serve, defrost in the fridge overnight and cook at 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4 for 5-10 mis.  Serve with tzatziki.

Have tasted a couple to make sure they are okay, they taste great and really easy to do.  The only thing I would change for next time is add more cumin or another spice to give it more of a kick. 


Moroccan Spiced Meatballs

Ingredients:
500g minced turkey
1 medium onion
2 garlic cloves, crushed or chopped
2 tsp mild or medium curry power
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
1 egg, beaten
50g fresh breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil

1. Heat oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4
2. Put the mince into the mixing bowl. Add the onions, garlic, curry powder, cumin, garam   
    masala, cayenne pepper and coriander then mix up well. 
3. Add the beaten egg ad breadcrumbs, then mix again.
4. Divide the meat mixture into even-sized pieces and shape into balls (tsp size).  You should
    get about 20 meatballs. 
5. Heat the oil in the fyring pan over a medium heat and add the meatballs.  Cook them for
    5 mins turning until golden brown.  Remove from the pan and place them onto a baking tray. 
    Bake in the oven for 15-20 mins.
6. Remove from the oven.  Cool slightly and serve with tomato salsa.


Goats Cheese and Tomato Tartlets

Serves 4
500g pack of Saxby's fresh puff pasty
1 egg
6-8 plum tomatoes, sliced
100g goats cheese, cut into 4 slices
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Bunch of fresh thyme
Splash of olive oil

1. Roll out the pastry to 1/2 inch thickness. As I'm using this recipe for canapes I have using the
    rim of a mug to cut out the circle, if doing a starter you could use a saucer as a guide.  Place
    circles on a damp baking sheet and brush with beaten egg.

2. Arrange a circle of sliced tomatoes around the edge.

3. Bake at Gas Mark 7/220C/425F for 10 minsm then put a slice of goats cheese in the middle
    of each tart, season and sprinkle with thyme leaves and oil.

4. Bake for a further 5-10 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the cheese has melted slightly.

5. Serve hot or cold.

Will post back some pics of the food and cocktails after the party plus some comments on the food.  Should be a good night, although not looking forward to the hangover the next day!!

Hope you enjoy the canape recipes if you try them!

Twins 1st birthday

I can't believe the twins are now 1!

Twins and their big sister on their 1st birthday (end of the day which is why they look shattered)

Where has the year gone, I can't believe this time a year ago I was recovering in hospital after having one twin naturally and one by emergency c-section!

The twins have been an absolute joy and so very laid back, they have slotted into our hectic lives amazingly well, and, apart from a few awful nights due to ear infections it has been pretty much plain sailing.

Both me & my husband work full time but have an amazing child minder who has them 4 days a week and an amazing mum who has them one day a week.  Apart from one incident at my mums involving twin boy, a fake fireplace and some coal (ending up over pink carpet), they both enjoy looking after the twins.

The twins are so mischeavious and definitely look to each other for encouragement to be naughty.  We've had clothes pulled out of the washing machine, items put in the washing machine, stair gates opened, cupboards emptied, speakers knocked over and tv hit with various objects!! 

Both twins adore their older sister Jasmine (7) particularly chasing her round the house.  What's more Jasmine is so helpful to have around, running upstairs for nappies and wipes or keeping the twins amused while I tidy up! 

For their 1st birthday we ummed and ahhhed about what to do, big party with everyone, small party with family or a day out at a farm.  We opted for the small party at home with family and had a lovely day with the twins being thoroughly spoilt!

Far too much food leftover so know I will be eating cake and pizza for the next week! Not great for the waistline, I'm a bridesmaid in June so need to diet soon!!

Nopi

I went to Nopi a couple of weeks ago, what can I say - it was amazing!  The food, decor and atmosphere were all fantastic.

Unfortunately I didn't have my camera on me so am unable to share any pics of the food, but if you want somewhere fun where you order lots of beautiful dishes to share, this place is spot on.

The dishes kept coming and there was not one dish I could find fault with!  My favourite veg dish was the Valdeon Cheesecake, pickled baby beetroot, truffle honey.  Fish, the Seared Prawns, tomato butter, fennel, olives, Pernod were to die for and for meat, the Seared lamb cannon, caleriac and barberry salad, green chilli sauce just delicious.

I'm already looking for an excuse to go back so if anyone wants to accompany me let me know!!

John Crane toys

John Crane Ltd are now working with Emma Talbot, the new face in the illustration industry.  I have been sent a limited print which I will definitely be framing for one of the twins bedrooms, it is gorgeous!

This year will see all the new Tidlo toys from John Crane Ltd featuring Emma's illsutrations - so make sure you keep your eyes open for them - it could be a puzzle, a farm or cuddly toy.  

I personally think the designs are fantastic, so bright and colourful and I'm sure all kids will love them.   

 

Emma Talbot has been a designer for over 14 years and has a passion for art, photography and making people smile with her work.  She has a baby daughter and loves rabbits so many of her illustrations include bunnies.

 

John Crane toys suppliers of beautiful toys suitable for ages 1+, they have their own range - Tidlo which include fantastic wooden toys - lovely train tracks with wooden trains, a baking set and some great chunky puddles.

I will be putting an order in for some belated goodies for the twins 1st birthday.  I particularly like the colour & shape matching puzzle and the pull-along alligator which I know the twins would love.

You can buy their toys from Next, Amazon, Great Little Trading Company. Visit site here - www.john-crane.co.uk to see their fantastic range of toys and full list of where you can buy.

Naty Babycare products

I recently took part in a nappy trial for Naty UK, the natural, environmentally friendly baby products.  I had not used any of the products before but can honestly say I was really impressed with the nappies.  The nappies absorbed well and the twins were both comfortable in them, they didn't leave any marks and were easy to put on and remove.  Will certainly swap my usual brand to purchase these in the future.


As a thank you for trailing the nappies on the twins, Naty UK sent me through a goodie box of products including some Eco bubble bath, Eco Shampoo, Eco body lotion, Eco body wash and Eco baby wipes.

After being so impressed with the nappies, I couldn't wait to try the products.  All the products use natural ingredients, they are based on biodegradable active ingredients, hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested.  They contain no perfumes, dyes or parabens and are mild on skin and eyes.  The packaging is also fully recyclable.

Starting with the bubble bath, we were very impressed, lots of fabulous white bubbles that certainly hasn't affected the twins skin in anyway.  There was no strong perfume and after a session with the twins splashing in the bath there were still lots of bubbles.

We were equally impressed with the other products, the wipes cleaned really well and again were not strongly perfumed.  The shampoo worked well and again was mild so no red eyes.  And the same goes for the Body Wash and Lotion.

I can definitely say I have found a range of products I really like and do not affect the twins skin.  They are natural and environmentally friendly.

I've also just found out the company are launching a range of organic children's clothes this year too - very exciting, so watch this space.  Will post more info as soon as I find out more!

Finally, I'm delighted to announce Naty UK have given us an extra set of their toiletries to give away here on the blog. To enter simply retweet and comment below and I will pick a lucky winner next week.  Good Luck!