by MJF | Apr 23, 2025 | St George's Day
St George’s Day: A Culinary Salute with Heritage Pork By Mark J French | www.chefsnotebooks.com While it may not rival Bastille Day or Burns Night in pageantry, St George’s Day (23rd April) still offers a rich canvas for culinary creativity and storytelling. For those...
by MJF | Apr 23, 2025 | English, Main Courses, Pork Main Courses, Thyme
Heritage Pork Cutlet with Bramley Apple & Cider Jus I grew up in Cider country, and anyone that has known me for any time, understands the choice here! This dish honours the English countryside with rustic elegance, celebrating both land and orchard. Of course, to...
by MJF | Apr 19, 2025 | Holidays, Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, commemorating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. As crowds laid palm branches before Him, they symbolised victory and peace—traditions that continue today in Christian communities worldwide. Many churches bless and...
by MJF | Apr 17, 2025 | Caribbean, Cinnamon, Desserts, Frozen Desserts, Pastry, Spices & Herbs
Banana Cinnamon Frozen Parfait A sophisticated yet simple frozen dessert that brings comfort and elegance in every bite. This Frozen Banana Cinnamon Parfait is whipped to a silky smoothness, layered with warm spice and mellow banana flavour, then frozen to create a...
by MJF | Apr 16, 2025 | Afternoon Tea, Baking, Bread, Easter, English, Good Friday, Mixed Spice (Baking)
Hot Cross Buns There’s nothing quite like baking fresh hot cross buns at home. Here’s a traditional recipe to bring the magic of these spiced, fruit-filled delights into your kitchen. Kitchen MixerMixing BowlsSet Scales & Measuring CupsPastry BrushMixing...
by MJF | Apr 16, 2025 | Good Friday, Holidays
Hot Cross Buns Day is a delightful occasion to indulge in one of the world’s most beloved spiced and sweetened bread rolls. These buns, traditionally marked with a cross, have a long and fascinating history that ties together ancient traditions, religious...
by MJF | Apr 16, 2025 | African, Allspice, Chilis, Cold Sauces, Ginger, Mustard Seeds, Nutmeg, Paprika, Sauces, Spices & Herbs, World Cuisines
 Guinean Hot Pepper Sauce I encountered this bold, fiery, and deeply flavoured pepper sauce when I worked in Conakry, Guinea. It is a staple in West African cuisine and pairs perfectly with grilled meats, rice, stews, and even fried plantains. Unlike some milder hot...
by MJF | Apr 15, 2025 | German, Nutmeg, Pasta, Side Dishes, Spices & Herbs, Starches, World Cuisines
Spaetzle – German Egg Noodles Traditional German egg noodles with a soft, dumpling-like texture. Perfect as a side or main dish, served buttery or with cheese and rich sauces. Mixing BowlWooden SpoonLarge PotBoard to scrape, spätzle press or colanderFrying Pan 4 Cups...
by MJF | Apr 11, 2025 | Easter, English, Holidays, Lamb Main Courses, Main Courses, Mint, Rosemary, World Cuisines
Roast Leg of Lamb with a Minted Lamb Jus A refined take on a classic roast, featuring garlic,rosemary, and thyme-marinated lamb, served with a deep, minted red wine jus. Mixing BowlCutting BoardCooks KnifeRoasting Tray For the Lamb:2 kg 4.4 Lbs. Leg of Lamb, Bone-In3...
by MJF | Apr 10, 2025 | Cinnamon, Cumin, Lamb Main Courses, Main Courses, Moroccan, Paprika, World Cuisines
 Moroccan Spiced Lamb with Cinnamon & Apricots A deeply aromatic dish with a sweet-savoury balance Cutting Board and Cooks KnifeDutch Oven or a heavy pot with a tight lid. 500 g 1 Lb Lamb Shoulder, cubed1 each Onion (finely chopped)2 each Garlic Cloves (finely...
