Now that I have a proper sourdough starter I tend to make a large loaf whenever I need one, but apart from the type of flour I put in, I rarely vary what I’m baking. I wanted to try sourdough… Read More ›
Bread
Success with a Sourdough Starter
It takes a while to make a sourdough starter and it can be very frustrating: don’t give up and you will be rewarded, probably right at the point where you think it’s never, ever going to work. I still find… Read More ›
Pancetta and Mixed Olive Bread
I make nearly all the bread we eat but recently I have tended to make the same basic recipe each time: flour, yeast, salt and water. No fat, no sugar. The only things that vary are the types and proportions… Read More ›
Homemade Ciabatta and Olive Oil
It’s no secret that I love to use homegrown or foraged produce whenever possible. So when my friend Vana hand-delivered some olive oil direct from her friend’s olive oil farm outside Cape Town in South Africa, I couldn’t wait to… Read More ›
Cranberry and Dark Chocolate Buns – hot cross optional!
I always tell my kids that just saying something doesn’t make it true: it’s important to use your own judgement as to whether or not something is as it claims. It’s a good rule that can be applied to most… Read More ›
Pumpkin and Pecan Loaf
While we might not celebrate Thanksgiving in the UK, I have spent many years celebrating Thanksgiving both in the UK and the US (and even once in Thailand!) as I was married to an American for 13 years. So although… Read More ›
Green Olive Breadsticks
This is a very easy recipe for soft breadsticks that are great on their own as a snack, or eaten with dip or oil and vinegar. I found this recipe in Paul Hollywood’s “How To Bake” but used fewer olives… Read More ›
Homemade Oregano and Sea Salt Focaccia and Good Friends
I am not very good at keeping in touch with people. I’m not good on the phone and often can’t think of a lot of news to share in an email. And even if you are one of my favourite… Read More ›
Seeded Bread
I haven’t been eating a lot of bread recently and had almost forgotten how therapeutic making it can be. The more stressed you are the better it will probably be as you can take it all out on the dough…. Read More ›
Rhubarb Jam
I have been making jam for the past few years and I have tried several times, without success, to make rhubarb jam. Instead of a lovely soft jam, I end up with a sort of burnt rhubarb “toffee”. I hate… Read More ›