Easy Breakfast - Recipe Idea

The perfect lazy day breakfast of scrambled eggs on toast topped with crispy bacon and roasted tomatoes.  Serve with a nice cup of coffee (tea for me please) and after eating this you'll be all set and ready to do absolutely nothing for the rest of your lazy day.

Well in my case, till lunch time - always hungry am I.

Piquanté Pepper and SunBlush Tomato Flatbread

 This very moreish flatbread made with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, topped with a Tomato Sauce, Piquanté Peppers and SunBlush Tomatoes - certainly does the trick if your looking for a bread to go with any Pasta Dish or my Patatas Bravas with Chicken and Chorizo.

Having been set a challenge to do something with bread dough by Mermaid Cookware for National Bread Week (16th-22nd April) - here's my invention!

I've tried and tested a few Mermaid products before and this baking sheet lived up to all my expectations.  The baking sheet is made from Hard Anodised Aluminium which evenly distributes heat to avoid hot spots.

Weight Watchers Food Products - Review

 Weight Watchers have a great range of different food products to help you loose weight and maintain a healthy diet.  I was recently sent a box of different products to try.

First up for the taste test was Rogan Josh Cooking Sauce:

'Weight Watchers have a wide range of Cooking Sauces allowing you create a  satisfying home-cooked meal in a hurry.  The sauces are all low in fat and ProPoints® values too.  Use with chicken, meat, fish, vegetables to suit your taste.  Rogan Josh sauce is a medium hot curry sauce and has ProPoints value of 2 per serving, it’s ideal for those who like a curry with a bit more heat'. 

 So what did we think of the Rogan Josh sauce?

Nice, rich tomatoey and very tasty sauce with a good amount of spicy heat without being too hot.  Compared with a regular Rogan Josh cooking sauce from a well know supermarket the Weight Watchers sauce (per 100g) is just 41kcal compared to 80kcal and Fat (of which saturates) Weight Watchers is just 0.1g compared to 0.2g and is also lower in salt too.

Quick Soda Bread - Nigel's Lazy Loaf

   Nigel Slater's idea of baking the loaf in a preheated cast iron casserole dish is a good one, but I'm thinking the loaf might have a bit more colour round the edge if it was just baking on a baking tray. 

  Overall I was really pleased with how this loaf turned out - not being a one for baking and all that.  Using the cast iron casserole did make the loaf cook quick - 25 minutes and it's done!

One thing's for sure, once the loaf was cut and smothered in butter, it tasted good.  Whatever, I would still make it this way again.

Forman and Field Tasting Hamper - Review

I was recently sent a lovely 'Tasting Hamper' to review from Forman and Field.
The hamper arrived around early in the morning, was perfectly packed and full of loads of yummy food.....

 What was inside?!

Polenta Crusted Flatbread - Easy to Make Recipe

Okay my flatbread wasn't exactly what you'd call flat!  But it was rather moreish and so easy to make.  Polenta is ground cornmeal and available in any good supermarket usually somewhere near to the pasta shelf. 

 It also was the nearest taste I've ever got trying to make the 'Hearty Italian' bread they serve in SubWay the high street sandwich shop.

Rosemary and Sea Salt Focaccia - Easy to Make

I came across this fantastic recipe by Lorraine Pascale in her book Baking Made Easy and it has to be said - this was easy!  Foccacia is an Italian flat bread and you can vary the topping to suit your taste - for example  Caramelised Red Onion or Cheese would be good!

As you're probably already aware, I don't do baking!  But this certainly turned out rather nice indeed.  Of course a good baking tray is vital and the Eazistore I reviewed a while back is still looking like new.

Domino's Reggae Reggae Pizza - A Review

Last night we ordered the new Reggae Reggae Pizza from Domino's the pizza delivery expert.  

Their new pizza made with Levi Roots Reggae Reggae sauce will be on general sale in all stores from Monday 11th April but you can try it now!  Just order it from Domino's Pizza UK FaceBook fan page where until Sunday, it's only £9.99 for a large one.  Just click on the Reggae Reggae link on the left side bar of their Facebook page and it will be added to your basket.

We loved the Reggae Reggae pizza and could find no faults at all in the ordering and delivery service.  The pizza itself was delish!  There was a generous amount of topping, chicken, tomatoes, green peppers and pineapple and mozzarella.  

The only really tiny fault we could find is we thought it was going to be spicier than it was - more heat please for us!  Of course, lots of people don't like as much spice as we do so with that said it's probably just us.  Whatever, we'd have no problem ordering this pizza again. 

Ten big slices of yumminess delivered to your door at the time you choose. I took a few screen shots to show just how easy ordering is:

Once you've placed your order you'll receive an email  with a link that lets you able to see the progress of your order!

 

You can see when you're order is being prepared, being baked, going through quality control and finally being delivered - Marvelous!

 We ordered our pizza to be delivered at 6pm and it arrived at 6.02pm (precisely)!

Garlic and Coriander Naan

I've made naan a few times before but I must say these were the best yet, really soft and perfectly cooked.  All in all they were totally yummy. 

Recipe adapted from one by Madhur Jaffery.

New Basil Burst from Domino's Pizza - A Review

Domino’s pizza delivery service is brilliant and it's just the thing for when you’ve no time to cook.   

You can either pick up the phone to ring your order though, or of course, you can order online.  Just choose which time you want your pizza to arrive (within a 15 minute time slot) and it does!  As you would expect from Domino's it arrives nice and hot too.

 Last night we decided to try their new addition to the Double Decadence range ‘Basil Burst’. Basil pesto sandwiched between two tasty thin crust bases. 

 Paul (the husband) wanted to try ‘Basil Burst’ and I must admit I was a tiny bit concerned as I’m not a huge fan of pesto.  Now, I was pleasantly surprised to find I loved it! 

Whilst you can definitely taste the basil it didn’t over-power the topping we choose.  If anything I’d say it matched perfectly with the ‘Pepperoni Passion’ pizza we ordered.  Not too much, not too little, just the right amount of pesto in between the two thin crusts.

Pepperoni passion is topped with loads of pepperoni and is made with extra mozzarella cheese – total yum in a box.

 The Basil Burst crust is only available on their medium or large pizzas.  You can pick whichever topping you fancy from their mouth-watering menu. 

Another great thing is you can create your own pizza too!  Pick up to a maximum of nine from the nineteen different toppings available and the nice people at Domino's will create your perfect pizza.  You can even choose from six different pizza bases too.

Don’t forget you don’t have to be a meat lover – a great range of vegetarian options are catered for too.  Basil Burst is vegetarian nut-free pesto.

So, if you haven’t already tried Domino's pizzas why not place your order this evening and try it for yourself.

Dominos Pizza Delivery - Online Pizza Order Review

Now, as you know I love cooking, but sometimes you just seem to run out of time to cook!  

I had never ordered an online pizza before and I must admit I was a tiny bit concerned it would turn up lukewarm and greasy.
Last night was one of those nights when I just seem to have run out of time to cook.  So, I ordered a pizza to be delivered from Domino’s Pizza and I’ve since been converted!

I rang our local branch to make sure they delivered in our area although I realised afterward, I could have very easily found that out online.
The girl that answered the phone said ‘Domino’s pizza’s, how can I help you’?
I asked about delivery and she asked for my postcode.  Immediately she replied ‘Yes we do, do you want me to take your order?' 
To me it makes a big difference on how someone answers the telephone, I think you can get a good impression of the Company and how it's run that way.  Far better than if they sound bored when they answer and like they couldn’t care less if you ordered from them or not.

I logged on and I have to say I was amazed at how professional their site is.  If you’ve never had a look it’s well worth popping over to see for yourself.
You start by entering your postcode, and then you're presented with a huge list of different pizza toppings with size options, prices and pictures. 

Problem, you now have to decide which one to choose – Ooh what to have, what to have?!

Us, (me and the husband) being very greedy people having finally made our choice and ordered a large pizza.  We decided on the Hot and Spicy 13.5” which has onions, ground beef, green peppers and jalapeno peppers.
You then choose when you want it delivered, either as soon as possible, or you pick a time to suit you (within 15 minute time slots).
I placed our order at 5.15pm and picked a delivery time of 6.15pm.  To be honest I did that just because I wanted to see if it worked!
You can then either pay cash on delivery, or pay by credit or debit card.
A conformation of your order is sent straight away to you by email.

It gets better – you can check the real time status of your delivery – when it’s baked and out for delivery - how marvelous, I love anything gadgety!

 See screen capture below:

Total Amazement – it came at 6.12pm!
The pizza arrived nice and hot with the crust lovely and soft and not at all hard. Lovely fresh pizza with just the right amount of jalapeno peppers and topping. 

Oh and by the way, you can even choose the type of base and crust you want your pizza to have.

   Of course you can order sides such as coleslaw, potato wedges, garlic bread, chicken wings and more. You can even order drinks, ice cream or cheesecake too.

So, I’ve been converted and will be ordering again soon! 

 

 Hungry now?  Take a look and place an order at your local Domino's pizza now.

Ciabatta with Parsley, Garlic and Parmesan

Crunchy, garlicky, cheesy bread, oozing with extra virgin olive oil.
Probably no good for you what so ever - but it is nice!

When buying Parmesan only ever buy 'Parmigiano Reggiano' if it doesn't have that on it then it's not the same stuff and it wont taste half as good as the real thing. The term Parmesan can be used for cheeses imitating true Parmesan cheese.
Go here to read more.

How to do it:
Preheat your oven to 200C/400F or Gas 6

Get yourself a nice good quality ciabatta bread and cut in half length ways.
Drizzle on both bread sides (not the crust side) with a good amount of extra virgin olive oil.
Then use any amount you fancy of the following:
finely chopped garlic
fresh flat leaf parsley
grated Parmesan
Sprinkle over the garlic and parsley. Grate over the Parmesan and put on a baking tray uncovered in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes.
Serve immediately.

Camembert Baked in the Box with Bruschetta

I first raved on about Camembert baked in it's box back in April 08 but since then I have quite got into serving it with Bruschetta - home made of course.
Please see my updated baked Camembert post here.

Marks and Spencer included baked Camembert as one of the starter courses in their 'Valentine's Dine in for £20' offer this year.

They sell it wrapped in foil ready to bake, but I like to bake it in its box adding a little wine and garlic for extra yumminess!

Also it looks great served in its box. However you decide to bake it, it's really easy and so very, very yummy. See how to do the Camembert below.

 Print Recipe
For the Bruschetta:

You will need half of a day old French stick - or as much as you fancy making of course.

Cut into thinnish slices drizzle a shallow baking tray with extra virgin olive oil and salt and pepper. Then press each piece of bread into the tray and turn over. Drizzle with a little more olive oil and add a little more salt and pepper.

Bake in a preheated oven for about 15 to 25 minutes or until golden and crisp.

They emerge from the oven like this, crispy and crunchy and perfect for dipping.

Baked Camembert

For Two to Share, you will need:
250 g Camembert Cheese,1 clove garlic - peeled, half a teaspoon of white wine

How to do it:
Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6
Remove the cheese from it's box - take off the wrapping then put the cheese back in the box.
Make a good amount of tiny holes with a fork all over the top rind of the cheese. Now rub the garlic all over the top of the cheese - The smallest amount of olive oil will help you to rub the garlic easier.

Now drizzle the wine into them and put the lid back on the box.

Bake in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, until hot and bubbling. Keep an eye on it though as you don't want it all running out like mine almost did.

Also if you bake it in foil it will cook quicker so check it at around 15 minutes.

The result is sticky, gooey, melty cheese that oozes in it's box. Just dip in the bruschetta.  Oh and a glass or two of wine is vital.

Ultimate Garlic and Parmesan Bread

This is proper garlic bread as it ought to be!
We've all seen those horrid ready made garlic baguettes in the supermarket. They also sell the same ones but call them 'cheese and garlic' baguettes.

 Have you ever stopped to look at just how much cheese they actually put in? 

I doubt there's more than two pinches and for that they charge an extra 50p!
Whatever, there really is no comparison to what you can make very simply at home. For the sake of five minutes preparation, you have a crispy loaf that oozes buttery garlic and gooey cheese.

Egg and Chips!

Today, as I'd been to work and don't get home till late(ish), we had the most easiest dinner in the world.........Egg and Chips! We haven't had egg and chips for AGES!
Can't think why I'm bothering to blog about such a simple meal, but I will anyway - I've started so I'll finish!

Whatever, it does the trick if your hungry and in need of feeding quickly!
Please excuse the pepper I'd already put on the egg and chips before I'd taken the photo. Also please excuse the terrible photo.

Covered in salt and vinegar (you can NOT have chips without salt and vinegar - it's the Law) and of course, pepper.
I made a 'French Bake' loaf of bread in the bread machine (set to be ready when I walked through the door)!!
Very yummy indeedy!

Grown ups Fish Finger Sandwich with Lemon Mayonnaise

Today I made some dough in the bread machine and made it into rolls (big ones) and baked them. I had one large beer battered cod fillet in the freezer.
A few weeks ago I'd had this in a local pub for lunch. They called it Grown ups Fish Finger Sandwich - it was yummy, I copied it!



I had never made mayonnaise before, but it turned out fine so I was pleased with myself.

Some Good Things to Go On a Pizza

Sliced Red Onion, Sliced Tomatoes, Olives, Finely Chopped Chili Pepper, Sliced Peppers, Pepperoni, Buffalo Mozzarella, Grated Mozzarella Cheese

The pizza about to go into the oven.

This is a 'His and Her's' Pizza - the side with the olives and tomatoes is mine.

I build my half and he builds his!

Homemade Pizza

Today I will not be cooking anything fancy. However although it isn't fancy, homemade pizza is so easy to make and very tasty.

To Make Pizza Dough:

Ingredients:

170ml Water
300g Strong White Bread Flour
1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
1 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 a Teaspoon of Yeast

Method:

Put all of the above in a bread machine (although you can mix this by hand of course) and select 'Pizza Dough'

When the dough is ready remove from the machine and press out with the heel of your hand to a 25cm/10inch circle.

Cover with lightly oiled cling film to stop it drying out. Allow to prove for about 20 minutes in a warm place.

Add topping of your choice starting with a tomato pizza base sauce, which you can buy ready made in just about any supermarket.

I then add sliced red onions, sliced pepper, grated cheese, pepperoni, olives, sliced tomato, a little chopped green chili and finally mozzarella.

Now bake in a preheated oven at 220C/425F/Gas7 for about 20-25 minutes depending of the amount of topping.

Maple and Pecan Bread for Bread Machine

I have made this a couple of times now and it's really nice - The nutty bits in it give it a nice texture.

Ingredients

3/4 Teaspoon Yeast
200 g Strong Whole Meal Flour
15 g Butter
1 Teaspoon Salt
3 Tablespoons of Maple Syrup
280 ml Water
75 g Pecan Pieces

Method

Place ingredients in bread machine and follow manufactures intructions for bread making.

The pecans are to be added either when the bleep sounds to add 'extra' ingredients - or into the automatic dispencer if your machine has one.

Ragu Bolognese and Focaccia

You will need:

25g Butter
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Large Onion, finely chopped
250g Minced Beef
250g Minced Pork
75ml White Wine (red is fine too)
680g Jar of Passata (tomato pulp)
1 Tablespoon Tomato Puree
Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper to taste

How to do it:

Heat the oil and butter in a pan and fry the chopped onion.
Add the meat and fry until brown. Stir in the wine, tomato pulp and tomato puree.

Season with salt and pepper
Cover with a lid (or some foil) and simmer for about 1 hour and 15 minutes - stirring from time to time.

Serve with freshly cooked pasta (I used Linguine) and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan.

Focaccia with Balsamic Onions

I made Focaccia bread from a basic recipe for the bread machine.

1/2 Teaspoon Yeast

300g Strong White bread Flour

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

1 Teaspoon Salt

170ml Water

Put the above in a bread machine and select 'Pizza Dough'

Finely chop some red onion that has been softened in some olive oil over a low heat. When softened add a little balsamic vinegar and put to one side until the dough is ready.

When the dough is done (approx 45 mins) remove and roll into a round until about 3/4 of an inch thick.

Drizzle with olive oil and press your knuckles into the dough to make dents all over and cover with the onion and balsamic mixture. I also added a little chopped rosemary.

Cover with cling film and allow to prove for about 30 minutes.

Bake for about 20-30 minutes or until golden at the edges and cooked well in the centre.