by MJF | May 26, 2025 | Appetisers, French, Hot Appetisers, Main Courses, Nutmeg, Spices & Herbs, Vegetarian Main Courses, World Cuisines
Spinach and Nutmeg Souffle A light, elegant soufflé with the rich earthiness of spinach and the warm spice of freshly grated nutmeg. A refined dish to serve as a starter, light lunch, or vegetarian main. Frying PanMixing BowlsWhiskSmall Pot and Wooden Spoon 200 g...
by MJF | May 19, 2025 | Coriander, Coriander Seeds, Cumin, Main Courses, Mediterranean, Poultry Main Courses, Spices & Herbs
Coriander Lime Chicken with Spiced Chickpea Salad This is a flavour-packed dish that combines tender, marinated chicken thighs with a vibrant, warm chickpea salad. The citrusy freshness of coriander and lime beautifully complements the rich, smoky spices, making it a...
by MJF | May 7, 2025 | Afternoon Tea, American, Baking, Cookies
Zesty lemon bars with a coconut meringue topping on a buttery crust—an indulgent, Florida-inspired treat perfect for teatime or dessert. When I joined Marriott, this recipe was shared by Chef Oswald at the Marriott Harbor Beach, Fort Lauderdale as a favourite of Mr...
by MJF | Apr 24, 2025 | Afternoon Tea, Baking, Cakes, Pastry, Spices & Herbs, Vanilla
Cherry Almond Cake This delightful single-layer cherry and almond cake is a timeless British teatime treat that I have baked for years. Made with ground almonds for a tender crumb and rich flavour, the cake is studded with vibrant glacé cherries and delicately...
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...
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...