My Mushroom Pate

I love the idea of pate, but really struggle to eat it because I can't stand offal. As such, I've played around with a few ingredients and come up with my own vegetarian one that's absolutely delicious and so, so easy to make!

Coconut Dahl

This dahl is quick and simple, but is perfect on its own or as an accompaniment for a good, homemade curry such as my almost chicken balti.

L xx

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are quick and easy, but can look impressive. Serve them with dressed green leaves and they are the perfect starter or snack! Allow one mushroom per person.

L xx

Egg Fried Rice

I love egg fried rice. It's so versatile and will accompany so many different Chinese dishes. Here's my recipe for delicious homemade rice, which means you can control what's in it and also save some money by cooking at home rather than ordering takeout!

L xx

Roasted Rhubarb

Rhubarb is technically in season in May here in the UK - but my plant is already flourishing in my back garden!

Wilted Wild Garlic

Wild garlic has a very gentle flavour, and is particularly wonderful with chicken dishes (and fish, so I am told). Serving wilted leaves alongside a dish, or as part of the plate arrangement, is both tasty and beautiful!

Chinese Salt & Pepper Chips

One of my biggest weaknesses is Chinese takeaway. Every so often I get a huge craving for it, as does Mr W, and all of our healthy eating ideals go straight out of the window as we stuff our faces like demented people. And then comes the guilt. Diet failure. Feeling the pounds piling on as we sit there with leftover sauce around our mouths and meat sweats. It's a highly attractive image.

Dauphinoise for Dummies

Dauphinoise potatoes. The hero of the potato world. The luxurious, creamy blanket of garlic-infused heaven that gently envelops you and warms you from the tips of your toes to the top of your head. The side dish that I will ALWAYS order, even if it doesn't match my meal.

Would you like cheese with that?

I'm very fortunate to have a pretty epic job, working in an industry I am both passionate about and really enjoy. Going to work every day is something to look forward to (as much as I miss my children), and Monday morning is a friend rather than a foe.

Five easy starters/snacks/canapes

My other half does like to drop me in it where entertaining is concerned. I get home from work, get the dogs walked, children to bed, iron on ready to tackle the usual mountain range of school uniforms, work shirts, tshirts.... and he announces that friends will be here shortly. For dinner. For drinks. For something I am utterly unprepared for.

Recipe for disaster...

Valentine's is fast approaching, and I find myself in the usual quandry - not wanting to embrace the forced romanticism, still wanting to "make the effort", not wanting to fob my children off on someone else...