by MJF | Jul 5, 2025 | Afternoon Tea, Cinnamon, English, Kids Cookery, Pastry, Spices & Herbs, Sweets & Candies
Sugary Cinnamon Toast Fingers A warm, crispy, sweet treat just like Granny made…Great with some hot chocolate! Small BowlGrill or Large Frying Pan 2 slices White or Wholemeal Bread2 teaspoons Unsalted Butter (softened, but not melted)1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar½...
by MJF | Jul 5, 2025 | Appetisers, Hot Appetisers, Italian, Pasta, Spices & Herbs, Tarragon, World Cuisines
 Grilled Polenta with Creamy Mushroom and Tarragon Sauce Golden slices of firm Grilled Polenta form the base of this elegant vegetarian dish, topped with a creamy Mushroom and Tarragon sauce enriched with white wine and cream. Finished with a garnish of Tomato...
by MJF | Jul 3, 2025 | Appetisers, Basil, Hot Appetisers, Italian, Italian, Pasta, Spices & Herbs, World Cuisines
 Lemon Basil Gnocchi with Brown Butter & Crushed Hazelnuts Light and tender ricotta gnocchi are tossed in nutty brown butter infused with lemon basil, then topped with toasted hazelnuts and fresh herbs. Elegant and aromatic, this dish highlights basil’s bright...
by MJF | Jul 3, 2025 | American, Holidays, Iuly 4th Independence Day, Vanilla
By Mark J French | www.chefsnotebooks.com A British chef’s irreverent, delicious take on US Independence Day — with historically inspired recipes from the Revolutionary era and a little poetic flair. And in that spirit……. “Why did the American colonists serve trifle...
by MJF | Jul 3, 2025 | American, Cold Desserts, Desserts, English, Holidays, Iuly 4th Independence Day, World Cuisines
Red White & Blue Trifle A layered, indulgent trifle blending Strawberries, Raspberries, and Blueberries with White Chocolate Custard, Sherry-Soaked Sponge, and Whipped Cream. This tongue-in-cheek British dessert flies the American colours for Independence Day— a sweet...
by MJF | Jun 28, 2025 | Cold Desserts, Desserts, English, World Cuisines
 Summer Pudding This elegant Summer Pudding combines fresh seasonal berries with lightly sweetened fruit syrup, gently set with gelatine and encased in soft white bread. Served chilled with raspberry sauce and custard, it’s a vibrant, nostalgic dessert that’s as...
by MJF | Jun 27, 2025 | Basic Preparations, Basil, Cold Sauces, Dips & Dressings, Italian, Mediterranean, Pasta, Sauces, World Cuisines
 Classic Basil Pesto A vibrant, flavour-packed pesto made with fresh basil, parmesan, garlic, and pine nuts—this classic Italian sauce comes together in minutes and yields a full pint. Perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on bread, or freezing in small batches...
by MJF | Jun 26, 2025 | Pet Treats
 Hershey’s Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits Crunchy, nutty, and tail-waggingly good.A bit of fun for Hershey's birthday! Mixing Bowl and SpoonBaking SheetRolling PinBone-Shaped Cutter 1 Cup Whole Wheat Flour½ Cup Rolled Oats⅓ Cup Unsweetened Peanut Butter (No...
by MJF | Jun 23, 2025 | Main Courses, Mediterranean, Poultry Main Courses, Spices & Herbs, World Cuisines
 Clove Smoked Breast of Duck with Date & Orange Jus This dish balances the rich, gamey flavour of duck with the warm intensity of clove and the natural sweetness of dates. A gentle cold-smoking infuses the duck with spice before pan-searing, while a reduced jus of...
by MJF | Jun 21, 2025 | Appetisers, Hot Appetisers, Main Courses, Mediterranean, Parsley, Pasta, Spices & Herbs, Thyme, Vegetarian Main Courses, World Cuisines
 Penne Pasta with Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Sherry, and Thyme A beautifully simple yet flavourful dish that celebrates the sweet acidity of tomatoes, the depth of sherry, andthe herbaceous charm of thyme. Balanced with sautéed mushrooms and finishedwith a light touch of...